Mosquitoes in Minnesota test positive for West Nile virus for the first time this summer
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Mosquitoes collected in the Twin Cities metro area have tested positive for West Nile virus for the first time this year, and experts say more infected mosquitos are likely active in other parts of the state as well.
In fact, experts say central and western Minnesota have the highest risk of West Nile virus due to prime habitat conditions for mosquitoes, which often lay eggs in stagnant bodies of water, from lakes and ponds to smaller pools of water in birdbaths, buckets, gutters and even puddles.
West Nile is a virus that can infect humans via mosquito bites. Many people who are infected don’t get ill, but the virus can cause flu-like symptoms including fever, headaches, body aches, joint pain, nausea and a rash. And it can cause serious illness in older adults and those with compromised immune systems.
But the virus is nothing out of the ordinary in Minnesota this time of year.
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“We're pretty much right on schedule for when we usually find our first West Nile positive samples of mosquitoes,” said Alex Carlson, public affairs manager for the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District.
West Nile returns to the state every year, and has since 2002. It is the most common mosquito-borne infectious disease in the state.
Experts say the hotter, more humid weather forecast across the state for next week will be perfect conditions to fuel more mosquito activity and possibly lead to more bites from infected mosquitos as people get out of the house for Fourth of July week festivities.
Carlson says people planning to spend time outdoors, especially those who are older or immunocompromised, should take precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
“We do have some severe illnesses every year, some deaths occasionally throughout the year in Minnesota,” said Carlson. “So it's important that people are taking it seriously.”
According to Minnesota Department of Health epidemiologist Alex Garvin, West Nile virus can cause serious neurological issues in rare cases.
“It’s less than one percent of those infected that develop the severe neurologic disease that can result in meningitis or encephalitis and have more of those negative health outcomes,” said Garvin.
Garvin says one of the best ways to avoid the virus is applying EPA registered mosquito repellents and by wearing clothing that covers the skin to avoid potential bug bites.
For those that want to be extra careful, Carlson advises against going outside during peak mosquito activity times, which are dawn and dusk.
Also, he advises people to dump out any standing water that might be on their property.
“We have had a fair amount of rain this week, so it's a good time to check your yard and empty anything that holds standing water, because that creates more habitat for some of these disease vector mosquitoes,” said Carlson.
Experts say we can still have fun, however.
“We don't want people to panic or be fearful of the outdoors. The thing we love about Minnesota is we have so many wonderful opportunities for outdoor recreation, and it’s so important for people to spend time outside,” said Garvin.
