Government of Manitoba Ministerial Order
West Nile Mosquito Control: Issued August 8th, 2024
West Nile Virus Bulletin #2 - news.gov.mb.ca
The first round of mosquito fogging in Altona & the Municipality of Rhineland happened on the evening of Sunday, August 11th, 2024.
The second round of fogging was scheduled for the evening of Thursday, August 15th, but has been postponed due to weather. It has been rescheduled to Sunday, August 18th, 2024 (weather permitting).
The Manitoba government is issuing ministerial orders under the Environment Act to begin spraying for adult mosquitoes with DeltaGard 20EW because of high numbers of adult Culex tarsalis mosquitoes and evidence of mosquito infection with West Nile virus (WNV). The orders will cover the town of Altona and portions of the Rural Municipality (RM) of Rhineland.
Subject to weather and site conditions, adult mosquito control will take place in the areas of, but not limited to:
- The Town of Altona plus an approximately three-kilometre extended zone in the RM of Rhineland.
- For updates, follow the Town of Altona or the Municipality of Rhineland on Instagram or Facebook, check back on our website, look for posted signs around Altona, monitor Pembina Valley Online or tune into CFAM 950, Country 88, or the Eagle 93.5.
Adult mosquito control occurs in the evening and at night and the first of two rounds of spraying is expected to begin as early as the evening of Friday, Aug. 9, weather conditions permitting and will not occur if the temperature is expected to drop below 13 C, there is excessive wind or precipitation. The treatment times and area maps will be available at www.gov.mb.ca/health/wnv/control.html.
Public health officials note wet conditions early in the season and recent hotter, drier weather have created ideal conditions for Culex tarsalis mosquitoes that can spread the West Nile virus. The risk for potential human exposure to WNV at this time is high and this will likely continue during the historical high-risk period (mid-July to mid-August). At this time, no locally acquired human cases of WNV have been confirmed in Manitoba.
While Manitobans are encouraged to enjoy warm weather outdoor activities, it is strongly recommended to reduce the risk of mosquito bites and potential exposure to the virus. Key prevention measures include:
- reducing the amount of time spent outdoors during peak mosquito hours between dusk and dawn;
- using an appropriate mosquito repellent;
- wearing light-colored, loose-fitting clothing with long sleeves and pant legs;
- maintaining door and window screens; and
- cleaning and emptying yard items that collect water.
Approved by Health Canada for use in 2017, DeltaGard 20EW is classified as a reduced-risk pesticide. When applied using ultra-low volume methods and as per label directions, DeltaGard 20EW is unlikely to affect human health. For more information, visit: www.gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/factsheets/deltagard.pdf.
However, individuals can minimize their exposure by taking the following precautions:
- staying indoors during and immediately after spraying;
- closing all doors and windows;
- avoiding trucks while spraying is underway;
- turning off fans and air conditioners or setting them at exhaust;
- removing clothes, children's toys, and pet toys/bowls from outdoor areas;
- covering swimming pool surfaces;
- washing any household items or toys left outside before using them; and
- ensuring homegrown fruits and vegetables are washed before eating.
More information about West Nile virus, including prevention, symptoms, weekly average trap counts of Culex tarsalis mosquitoes, fact sheets, posters and information for municipalities and health-care providers, is available at www.gov.mb.ca/health/wnv/.
Please note: this mosquito spraying is ordered and administered by the Province of Manitoba. The Town of Altona and the Municipality of Rhineland have no control over this matter. For questions, comments, or concerns, please refer to the contact information listed below.
For more information:
- Public information, contact Manitoba Government Inquiry: 1-866-626-4862 or 204-945-3744.
- Health Links-Info Santé at 204-788-8200 or (toll-free) 1-888-315-9257 for more information.
- Media requests for general information, contact Communications and Engagement: newsroom@gov.mb.ca.
- Media requests for ministerial comment, contact Cabinet Communications: cabcom@manitoba.ca.
The Town of Altona Public Works and Parks Department recognize their important role in controlling the adult mosquito population within the limits of the Town of Altona and are committed to doing so by developing and implementing an environmentally sustainable approach to control that includes the responsible use of chemical pesticides. For more detailed information about the Town of Altona’s Mosquito Control Program, please see attachments below.
PDF Copies of the Town of Altona Mosquito Control Program