Province Launches Mosquito Spraying Campaign to Combat West Nile Virus Threat

Winkler Area to See Mosquito Fogging Amid High West Nile Virus Risk

Winkler, MB – Residents of Winkler and surrounding communities are advised that mosquito fogging will take place overnight between Friday, August 8th and Saturday, August 9th, and again between Monday, August 11th and Tuesday, August 12th. The fogging is targeted at controlling adult mosquito populations within the City of Winkler and a three-kilometre radius encompassing Reinfeld, Chortitz, and Schanzenfeld.

The treatment, dependent on favourable whether conditions – specifically temperatures above 13°C and the absence of meaningful wind or precipitation – utilizes DeltaGard 20EW, a reduced-risk pesticide approved by Health Canada.

Public health officials report that recent warm, humid weather has created ideal breeding conditions for Culex tarsalis mosquitoes, the primary carriers of West Nile virus (WNV). The risk of WNV transmission is currently considered high in the Southern Health-Santé Sud region, and very high specifically in the Winkler area. This elevated risk is expected to persist through mid-August. currently, no human cases of WNV have been confirmed in Manitoba this year.

Protect Yourself from Mosquito Bites

Authorities urge residents to take preventative measures to minimize exposure to mosquito bites, including:

Limiting outdoor activity during dusk and dawn, peak mosquito feeding times.
Applying mosquito repellent.
Wearing light-coloured, long-sleeved shirts and pants.
Ensuring doors and windows have intact screens.
Removing standing water from yards (e.g., in containers, tires).Precautions During Fogging

To further minimize potential exposure during fogging, residents are advised to:

Remain indoors during and instantly after spraying.
Keep doors and windows closed.
Avoid approaching spraying vehicles.
Turn off or set air conditioners and fans to exhaust.
Bring children’s toys and clothing indoors.
Cover swimming pools.
Wash any items left outdoors before reuse.
* Wash homegrown fruits and vegetables before consumption.

More Information

Detailed information about the fogging schedule and affected areas, as well as complete information about West Nile virus, symptoms, and prevention, is available at gov.mb.ca. Manitobans can also contact Health Links-Info Santé at 204-788-8200 or 1-888-315-9257 for further assistance.

What are the potential neurological complications that can arise from a West Nile Virus infection?

Understanding the West Nile Virus risk

West Nile Virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne disease that can cause serious illness in humans and animals. Transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes, the virus can lead to West Nile fever, a mild flu-like illness, but in some cases, it can develop into more severe neurological conditions like encephalitis or meningitis. The risk of contracting WNV typically peaks during warmer months – late summer and early fall – making proactive public health measures crucial. Mosquito control is paramount in reducing transmission rates.

Province-wide spraying Schedule & Affected Areas

The provincial government has initiated a large-scale mosquito spraying campaign targeting areas with high mosquito populations and confirmed WNV activity. Spraying will occur between dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.

Here’s a breakdown of the initial spraying schedule (subject to change based on weather conditions and mosquito surveillance data):

August 10-14: regions surrounding the Grand River watershed, including the cities of Brantford, Kitchener, and Waterloo.

August 15-19: Southern Ontario counties – Norfolk, Haldimand, and Niagara.

August 20-24: Eastern Ontario,focusing on areas near the St. Lawrence River.

Detailed maps outlining specific spraying zones are available on the provincial health ministry website ([insert link to provincial health ministry website here]). Residents can also sign up for email or text alerts regarding spraying in their immediate vicinity.Mosquito abatement efforts are focused on larval source reduction and adult mosquito control.

What is Being Sprayed? – Insecticide Information

The province is utilizing Pyrethroids, a class of insecticides commonly used for mosquito control. These insecticides are effective at quickly knocking down adult mosquito populations. The specific product being used is [insert insecticide name here], which has been approved by Health canada for public health use.

Critically important Considerations:

Safety: Pyrethroids pose a low risk to humans and pets when used according to label instructions. Though, individuals with respiratory sensitivities or allergies should take precautions (see “protecting yourself During Spraying” below).

Environmental Impact: While generally considered safe, pyrethroids can be toxic to bees and aquatic life. Spraying is carefully timed and targeted to minimize non-target effects. Integrated pest management strategies are employed to reduce reliance on chemical control.

Resistance: Ongoing monitoring for insecticide resistance in mosquito populations is crucial to ensure the continued effectiveness of the spraying program.

Protecting Yourself During Spraying & Beyond

Taking personal protective measures is vital during and after spraying.

During Spraying:

Stay indoors as much as possible.

Close all windows and doors.

Turn off ventilation systems that draw air from outside.

Bring pets indoors.

Cover fish ponds and remove pet food and water dishes.

Beyond Spraying – Ongoing Prevention:

Eliminate Standing Water: Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water. Regularly empty containers like flower pots, bird baths, tires, and gutters.

personal Repellent: Use insect repellents containing DEET, icaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus when outdoors. Follow label instructions carefully.

Protective Clothing: Wear long sleeves, long pants, and light-colored clothing, especially during peak mosquito activity hours (dusk and dawn).

Mosquito Netting: Use mosquito netting over beds, strollers, and outdoor seating areas.

Screen Repair: Ensure window and door screens are in good repair to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.

Recognizing West Nile Virus Symptoms

Early detection of WNV is crucial for effective management.Most people infected with WNV experience no symptoms or mild, flu-like symptoms. However, approximately 20% of infected individuals develop West Nile Virus symptoms, which can include: