Manitoba is reporting what would be the first human cases of West Nile virus detected in the province this season.
There was one confirmed in the Prairie Mountain health region and two probable cases in the Interlake-Eastern health region as of last week, the province said in an update Friday.
Todd Holmes, who lives near Libau, Man., previously told CBC News he tested positive for West Nile virus earlier in August, before Friday’s announcement. He said he believes he was bit by an infected mosquito during a hike in Hecla-Grindstone Provincial Park, in the Interlake region, on Aug. 3.
Risk of human exposure to the virus in the province is high, with weather conditions over the next week likely causing an increase in mosquito activity, the update said.
People can get West Nile virus if they’re bitten by an infected mosquito. Most people — about 70 to 80 per cent — do not present symptoms, but those infected might experience a flu-like illness.
In rare cases, the virus can lead to serious neurological disease.
Mosquitoes carrying the virus have been found in all 21 communities where the province monitors traps weekly.
Fogging has been completed in Boissevain-Morton, Carman, Morden, Stonewall, West St. Paul, Winkler and parts of Winnipeg.
The province is encouraging people to reduce the risk of mosquito bites by reducing the amount of time spent outdoors during peak mosquito hours, between dusk and dawn. The government also suggests using mosquito repellent and wearing light-coloured and loose-fitting clothing with long sleeves and pant legs, among other measures.