Mosquito Season Hits

It’s not only people across the metro enjoying the warm weather, it’s also bugs, mostly mosquitoes.

It’s no doubt mosquito season is here.

Cass County’s Vector Control has about six people on staff, in a month that goes up to 40.

While the chance for Zika to come to the metro is extremely rare, they’re staying alert because when it comes to nature you just never know.

With May comes warm weather, sunshine and mosquitoes.

Something the Upper Midwest is used to but when it comes to Zika virus, that’s a whole other ball game.

“There’s always that chance, there’s always that potential, it’s something that we’re keeping a close eye on making sure that we’re watching the research closely seeing what’s going on,” says Cass County Vector Control Director, Ben Prather.

There are no known active cases of the Zika virus transmitted within the US as of yet.

One North Dakota woman who recently traveled to Puerto Rico while pregnant was infected with Zika virus.

Officials will be monitoring the woman’s newborn for a year.

But Dr. Corbett says the chances of Zika coming to the metro is still very unlikely.

“We have short summers and long winters that reduces the risk of transmitting via mosquito,” says Sanford Infectious Disease Physician, Dr. Michael Corbett.

Only two types of mosquitoes are known to carry the virus but staying safe this mosquito season is still a must, especially when it comes to West Nile.

“West Nile virus is continuing to be a problem for a number of people in North Dakota and this region,” says Prather.

The CDC is still trying to determine whether mosquitoes that carry viruses like West Nile, can potentially carry Zika too.

While that’s still unknown, what is clear is that Zika is transmitted through sex.

The CDC says any person who has traveled to South America should refrain from unprotected sex.

Men should wait at least six months and women should wait two months.

“Vector Control is out in full force at stagnant waters throughout the area, to find mosquito larva like this.”

Because whether we like it or not, the bugs are here and unfortunately, they’re not going away.

To keep you and your family safe from mosquito bites, Prather recommends always using bug spray especially at dusk and dawn, wear protective clothing, remove all still water from around your house and make sure your screens are sealed tight.