Manitoba to begin mosquito spraying due to West Nile virus risk

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The Manitoba government is issuing ministerial orders under the Environment Act to start spraying for adult mosquitoes beginning Thursday.

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The province will use DeltaGard 20EW due to high numbers of Culex tarsalis mosquitoes and West Nile virus (WNV) infection. The spraying will affect Altona, parts of the RM of Rhineland, specific areas in Winnipeg, and parts of the RMs of Macdonald and West St. Paul.

Spraying is scheduled to begin as early as Thursday evening of August 9, depending on weather conditions.

These are the areas to be sprayed:

– Altona and a three-kilometre extended zone in the RM of Rhineland

– Parts of Winnipeg and RM of Macdonald bounded by La Verendrye Road 54NE, Road 8E, Wilkes Avenue, Waverley Street, and Bison Drive — this includes the neighbourhoods of Bridgwater Lakes, Tuxedo Industrials, Wilkes South, Linden Ridge, Lindenwoods, Whyte Ridge and West Fort Garry Industrial

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– Parts of Winnipeg and RM of West St. Paul bounded by Pipeline Road, Balgona Road, Main Street, Grassmere Road, and extending north along McPhillips Street — this includes the neighbourhoods of Riverbend and Rosser-Old Kildonan

Public health officials attribute the high mosquito numbers to recent weather conditions and note a high risk of WNV exposure during this period. No local human cases of WNV have been reported in Manitoba yet.

Residents are advised to minimize mosquito bites and WNV exposure by:

– Reducing outdoor activity during peak mosquito hours

– Using mosquito repellent and wearing protective clothing

– Maintaining window screens and eliminating standing water

DeltaGard 20EW is a reduced-risk pesticide approved by Health Canada. To reduce exposure during spraying, residents should:

– Stay indoors during and after spraying

– Close doors and windows

– Avoid outdoor areas and wash items left outside

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