Mosquitoes have tested positive for the West Nile virus in all seven counties of the Twin Cities metro area.
The Metropolitan Mosquito Control District reported that Culex tarsalis mosquitoes, which are primarily responsible for the human transmission of West Nile virus, are present in some of the highest numbers ever recorded for July.
Typically, these numbers are more common in late August when mosquito populations begin to decline.
The lab processed 187 mosquito pools last week, said MMCD vector ecologist Jordan Mandli. Of the pools tested, 34 were found to be positive for West Nile virus.
The Minnesota Department of Health noted that it is not unusual for mosquitoes to test positive for West Nile virus during the summer months.
Most people infected with the virus do not get seriously ill, but it can lead to severe illnesses, particularly in older adults or individuals with weakened immune systems. Symptoms of the virus may include fever, severe headache, rash, vomiting, joint pain and swollen lymph nodes.
Health officials recommend that people protect themselves from mosquito bites by using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants, and avoiding the outdoors during peak mosquito activity hours, especially around dawn and dusk.
