City spraying for West Nile during 'historical high-risk period' for virus

Preventative measures for West Nile Virus will be underway Thursday night in the northern parts of Winnipeg, and West St. Paul.

Parts of Winnipeg and the rural municipality will be sprayed with an insect-controlling pesticide to reduce the risk of mosquitos carrying the West Nile Virus.

As of Wednesday, a total of 26 mosquito clusters tested positive for the virus this year in communities across Manitoba including Brandon, Selkirk, West St. Paul, Winkler and Winnipeg. Winnipeg says the most collections with 13 being found. No humans have been infected.

"Public health officials note the hot temperatures and dry conditions experienced this summer have created ideal conditions for Culex tarsalis mosquitoes that carry WNV. The risk for potential human exposure at this time is high, and this will likely continue as we move through a historical high-risk period in August," the province says in a statement.

The City of Winnipeg says they are spraying:

43 (North Inkster Industrial, Oakpoint Highway, Omand's Creek Industrial, Tyndall Park)
44 (Burrows - Keewatin, Inkster Industrial Park, Mynarski, Pacific Industrial, Shaughnessy Park, Weston, Weston Shops)
48 (Inkster Gardens, Mandalay West, The Maples)
49 (Garden City, Leila - McPhillips Triangle, Margaret Park, Templeton – Sinclair)
51 (Amber Trails, Leila North, Riverbend, Rivergrove, Rosser - Old Kildonan, West Kildonan Industrial)

Winnipeg's spraying will begin at 10 p.m. Thursday.

To reduce risk, the province is asking residents to wear light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing with long sleeves and pant legs and use mosquito spray. Homeowners are asked to clean and empty yard items that collect water and to maintain door and window screens.

Winnipeggers can stay up to date with the City's response online.