West Nile virus detected in senior after her death, officials say

An elderly woman from southern Manitoba had contracted to West Nile virus before she died, say provincial health officials.

It's believed the woman, who was in her 70s and was from the Southern Health region, was exposed to the mosquito-borne virus sometime in mid-August. Tests conducted after her death indicated she was positive for West Nile, Manitoba Health said Thursday.

The department noted that she had pre-existing health conditions.

Manitoba Health did not release any more details about the woman, including the date or cause of death, citing privacy concerns.

West Nile is transmitted to humans in Manitoba mainly by the Culex tarsalis mosquito.

Human cases of West Nile virus infection were first reported in Manitoba in 2003, the province says, adding that the woman's death is the first to be reported since September 2013.

The province's first human case of West Nile infection of 2016involved a man in his 40s who was hospitalized in July after experiencing neurological symptoms consistent with those associated with the virus.

• 1st human case of West Nile virus for 2016 reported in Manitoba

Officials warn that even in the fall, there is still a risk of contracting West Nile virus.

"With shorter days and cooler temperatures, mosquitoes are more likely to bite late in the afternoon and early in the evening," Manitoba Health said in a news release.

"There will continue to be a risk of exposure to [West Nile virus] until the weather becomes colder or until the first hard frost."