Mosquitos in Grand Forks County test positive for West Nile virus
GRAND FORKS, (KVRR) — Grand Forks Public Health reports the West Nile virus has been found in a sample of mosquitoes collected in Grand Forks.
While test rates for the virus remain low, and there have been no cases of West Nile in humans yet this year, public health is encouraging residents to take precautions to avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes.
For those spending time outdoors, Grand Forks Public Health has recommendations to help avoid mosquito bites:
- Use insect repellent that contains DEET.
- Limit outdoor activities between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
- Wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts when possible.
- Eliminate standing water around homes (e.g., buckets, flowerpots, old tires, wading pools and birdbaths).
According to Grand Forks Public Health, most people infected with the West Nile virus do not develop symptoms. However, some may develop mild illness one to two weeks after exposure with symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, skin rash and swollen lymph nodes.
Less than one percent of infected people may develop a serious illness that includes inflammation of the brain (encephalitis). They might experience headache, high fever, neck stiffness, disorientation, convulsions and muscle weakness.
The West Nile virus may prove fatal in people who develop encephalitis, especially among older individuals.
More information about the Grand Forks Mosquito Control Program can be found at www.grandforksgov.com/mosquito.
