Insect Update – Week of July 12th – Still trending below average
July 19, 2021
Insect Update – Week of July 19th – West Nile virus found in mosquito pools
July 27, 2021
Metropolitan Mosquito Control District tests for West Nile virus returned seven positive samples that were collected the week of July 21st, 2021
SAINT PAUL - Tests conducted by the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District have detected West Nile virus in samples of mosquitoes collected last week in Ramsey, Hennepin, and Dakota counties. Positive results indicate that the virus is active in mosquito populations in the Twin Cities metro and residents should take appropriate precautions.
According to MMCD Vector Ecologist, Kirk Johnson, “the West Nile virus cycle was slow to start this year, but the most recent test results indicate that the amount of virus circulating has increased considerably in the last week. Furthermore, the hot, dry conditions will enable the virus to continue to thrive.” Johnson says, “we are just now entering the peak risk period for West Nile infections and that risk won’t subside until later in the summer when we begin to experience cooler weather.”
West Nile virus is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in Minnesota. According to the Centers for Disease Control, about 1 in 5 people who are infected with WNV develop a fever or other symptoms like headache and body aches. About 1 in 150 people develop a serious, sometimes fatal, illness.
People should take precautions to protect themselves from West Nile virus by wearing an EPA-registered insect repellent, wearing long, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing, and avoiding peak feeding times of dusk and dawn. We also encourage people to empty any standing water in your yard to reduce breeding habitat for mosquitoes that could carry the virus.
Overall, due to dry conditions and a number of other factors, mosquito numbers have been low this year, so people may be less active in regards to taking precautions against mosquitoes. With West Nile virus activity confirmed, MMCD encourages everyone to be safe and take protective measures.
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For press inquiries or interview requests, please contact Alex Carlson - acarlson@mmcd.org or (612) 750-9960.
