For those living in southern Manitoba the Zika virus is not something to be concerned about, unless travelling to Central or South America.


Medical Officer of Health for Southern Health-Santé Sud, Dr. Shelley Buchan says the virus is transmitted through the bite of an Aedes Aegypti mosquito. The Aedes Aegypti is not able to survive in the Canadian climate.

The majority of people bitten by an infected mosquito show no symptoms at all, and a small percentage experience mild symptoms. However, with pregnant women who become infected, the affects of Zika virus is becoming an emerging issue.

Buchan says it's not 100% confirmed, but there's a strong suspicion the virus is connected to babies being born with a rare brain condition. "In Brazil it was noted that there seemed to be a large clustering of children born with small heads, or microcephaly. So underdeveloped, small heads," said Dr. Buchan.

There are suspicions the mosquito-borne virus is linked to more than 4,000 Brazilian babies being born with brain deformities, as a result of their mothers being infected while pregnant.

Dr. Buchan says the has prompted the World Health Organization and Public Health Agency of Canada to issue recommendations to travellers, planning trips to Central or South America.

With the species of mosquitoes in Manitoba, Buchan says there is no concern of Zika virus being transmitted through the insect here. She says the concern is for those planning to travel.

If you do need to visit to these areas, the RHA encourages travellers to be diligent in protecting themselves against bites, and for pregnant women to talk with their healthcare provider to find out if they should postpone, or even cancel any planned trips.