A surge in West Nile Virus cases has been reported in seven Minnesota counties, with test results showing a significant increase in mosquito activity. According to the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District (MMCD), Culex tarsalis mosquitoes, responsible for transmitting WNV to humans, have been found in record-high numbers.
The MMCD tested 133 mosquito pools and detected 34 positive cases of WNV, representing over 25% of the total tests. The organization warned that this positivity rate is unusually high for July and more typical for late August, when mosquito populations decrease.
Residents are advised to take precautions against mosquito-borne illnesses by wearing EPA-registered insect repellent, covering skin with light-colored, loose-fitting clothing, removing stagnant water sources, and avoiding outdoor activities during peak mosquito hours (dawn and dusk).
Source: https://kstp.com/kstp-news/top-news/increase-in-west-nile-virus-in-7-minnesota-counties