A surge in West Nile virus among mosquitoes in the Twin Cities has prompted health officials to issue a cautionary warning. According to the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District, all seven counties it covers have tested positive for the disease. The positivity rate is higher than normal for July, with one-quarter of mosquito pools showing signs of infection.
The most common mosquito species that infect humans are active in record-high numbers. While officials assure that West Nile is not a cause for alarm, they recommend taking precautions such as using insect repellent, wearing protective clothing, and eliminating standing water on properties.
There has been only one human case reported so far this year in Minnesota. Dr. Beth Thielen notes that most people infected with West Nile do not exhibit severe symptoms. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local health officials advise residents to take preventive measures during peak mosquito hours, especially in the metro areas covered by the MMCD, including Hennepin, Carver, Scott, Dakota, Washington, Ramsey, and Anoka counties.
Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/early-west-nile-surge-twin-cities-mosquitoes