Manitobans will soon be taking advantage of the warmer weather to enjoy more outdoor activities, and Manitoba Health is reminding everyone to take precautions to avoid illness and injury.
Taking these precautions will help to reduce exposure to the following risks:
West Nile virus
Reduce standing water around homes and take steps to reduce exposure to mosquito bites during the summer months. (more information)
Hantavirus
Reduce exposure to dust from mice droppings and use a damp mop in areas with rodent droppings using bleach disinfectant. (more information)
E. coli
Use proper food-handling precautions, cook ground beef until it is well done and follow guidelines for cooking other meat. If using water from a well, be sure it is safe from sources of contamination. (more information)
Lyme disease
Avoid contact with blacklegged (deer) ticks. Inspect yourself and your children frequently for ticks and remove them as soon as possible. (more information)
Drinking Water Safety
Spring water run-off and overland flooding can increase the risk of well-water contamination. Spring is a good time to test wells. (more information)
Rabies
Vaccinate pets and avoid handling wildlife to reduce the risk of rabies. (more information).
Blastomycosis
When digging or disturbing soil in risk areas, be aware of the risk for exposure to blastomycosis, which can be contracted by breathing in the fungus that causes it or by getting it on a scrape or cut. (more information)
Injury prevention
Be safe when biking, swimming and boating. Anyone under 18 in Manitoba must wear a properly fitted and fastened protective helmet while cycling. (more information)
Health information is available from your local public health office and from Health Links-Info Santé at 204-788-8200 or 1-888-315-9257 (toll-free).
