Following tests on mosquitoes for West Nile Virus, the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District reported that virus activity is increasing, earlier than usual.
The Metropolitan Mosquito Control District (MMCD) said Culex tarsalis, the mosquito species most responsible for transmitting WNV to humans, was active in some of the highest numbers ever recorded by the organization.
The MMCD lab tested 133 mosquito pools and found 34 were positive for WNV, over 25% of the tested pools.
MMCD warns a positive test was also found in the seven counties they monitor, which include Hennepin, Ramsey, Anoka, Washington, Dakota, Scott and Carver counties.
“This is one of the highest positivity rates ever recorded in July and is more typical with late August when the mosquito populations are winding down,” MMCD said in a statement. “With the elevated risk of West Nile virus, it is important that residents take steps to protect themselves.”
MMCD advises residents to wear an EPA-registered insect repellent, wear long sleeves and pants that have light colors and are loose, remove stagnant water and avoid the outdoors during peak mosquito activity hours surrounding dawn and dusk.
More information on WNV can be found on the MMCD website.
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