1st human case of West Nile virus for 2016 reported in Manitoba

Manitoba's firstknownhuman case of West Nile virus this summer involves a man who was hospitalized after experiencingneurological symptoms consistent with those associated with the virus, the provincial government says.

Manitoba Health, Seniors and ActiveLiving released a statement Friday morning, confirming that a man in his 40s from southern Manitoba was infected on the week of July 17.

West Nile is transmitted to humans in Manitoba mainly by the Culex tarsalismosquito.

The Manitoba government's mosquito survey program first noted the presence of the virus in the species the same week the man in question was likelyinfected.

The risk of being infected with West Nile istypicallyhighest in the middle of summer, according to the province.

Manitobanscan reduce their risk of being bitten by mosquitoes by using repellant, wearing loose-fitting and light-coloured clothing and ensuring windows and doors are screened in properly.

The province added that heading indoors during the worst parts of the day for mosquitoes is also advised, as iscleaning out bird baths andeavestroughs regularly, installing screening over coverlessrain barrels and draining areas in yards known to collect water.