Mosquitoes with West Nile virus in MN among the 'highest numbers recorded' this July

West Nile virus spike in Minnesota mosquitoes

The Metropolitan Mosquito Control District is warning the public about a spike in West Nile virus detected in Minnesota mosquitoes. FOX 9's Lauren Andrego spoke with an official about what can be done.

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - Officials are warning of one of the highest West Nile virus activities ever recorded in Minnesota during the month of July.

Residents are advised to take extra precautions to protect themselves from mosquito bites this summer as the disease vectors thrive in the hot and humid weather. 

West Nile virus in MN mosquitos

The CDC says three people in Minnesota have contracted the West Nile virus, and although none of those cases are near the metro, 47 mosquitoes throughout all seven metro counties have tested positive.

Minnesota West Nile Virus

By the numbers:

Mosquitoes in all seven counties of the Twin Cities metro have tested positive for West Nile Virus, according to the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District (MMCD). 

MMCD ecologists say they processed 187 mosquito pools and found that Culex tarsalis mosquitoes, which is the species most responsible for human transmission of the West Nile virus, "are active in some of the highest numbers" they have recorded.

Of the 133 pools tested, 34 tested positive for West Nile Virus, showing a rate of more than 25% positivity. This is one of the highest positivity rates ever recorded in the month of July and is more commonly seen in late-August when mosquito populations wind down, the MMCD reports.

What you can do:

Keeping mosquitos away

Garden Guy Dale K shares some products and plants that can help keep the mosquitos out of your yard.

Residents are advised to protect themselves from mosquitoes by taking the following steps:

• Wear an EPA-registered insect repellent.
• Wear long sleeves and long pants, as well as light colors, and loose-fitting clothes.
• Eliminate any stagnant water in yards or outdoor spaces.
• Consider avoiding the outdoors during peak mosquito activity hours surrounding dawn and dusk.

What is West Nile virus? 

Dig deeper:

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) says West Nile virus is a mosquitoborne virus that can cause encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain, in some people. 

While the virus usually circulates between mosquitoes and birds in Africa and Europe, a 1999 outbreak in New York allowed the virus to spread to 48 states and the District of Columbia. The virus was first detected in Minnesota in 2002, and state officials say it will remain a public health concern for the foreseeable future.  

MDH officials add that the majority of people bitten by infected mosquitoes either experience no symptoms or mild illness.

Anyone with questions can reach out to the MMCD by calling (651) 645-9149 or emailing mmcdmosq@mmcd.org.

More information can be found by visiting the sites below:

MMCD West Nile Virus Information Page

West Nile virus basics and symptoms guide from Minnesota Department of Health

MMCD Resident's Guide for Protection from Mosquitoes