Mosquitoes carrying West Nile Virus discovered in St. Louis County

Right now, lab tests in the western part of North Dakota are showing an abundance of mosquitoes carrying West Nile.

Last year, two county residents tested positive for the virus, according to county officials.

When outdoors, use insect repellent EPA-registered active ingredient on clothing and skin, including picaridin, DEET, IR3535 or lemon eucalyptus.

WNV cycles between wild birds and mosquitoes.

People bitten by mosquitoes may be infected by the virus.

Mosquitoes in North Carolina are also known to carry other illnesses that can infect both humans and animals.

While the risk of contracting WNV remains low, mosquito traps in Fort Collins, Weld County and the Town of Berthoud revealed Culex mosquitoes infected with the disease.

“Just take a five-minute walk around your yard once a week and make sure there is no standing water in any containers”, Erwin said. Change the water in pet dishes and replace the water in ver baths weekly. Ensure that swimming pools and spas are properly maintained.

Horses should be kept inside during dawn and dusk, which are peak hours for mosquito activity.

The Center for Disease Control recommends people use screens on windows/doors, use air conditioning when available and at least once a week empty, scrub, turn over, cover, or throw out items that hold water.

Dress appropriately. Wear long sleeves and long trousers.

The department renewed calls for people to avoid mosquito bites by using repellant, wearing long trousers and long-sleeved shirts when outdoors for extended periods and avoiding perfumes and colognes when outdoors.

When using repellent, always follow the recommendations on the product label. Eliminate all sources of standing water on your property, including flower pots, old auto tires, rain gutters and pet bowls.

Change water weekly in containers that can not be removed, such as pet dishes and bird baths. Consider including Mosquitofish in ornamental ponds and fountains.