Mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus found in Grand Forks County

GRAND FORKS, N.D. (KVRR) — Grand Forks Public Health reports that the West Nile virus has been identified during mosquito collection in Grand Forks.

Public Health is encouraging residents to take extra precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.

There have been no cases of West Nile found in Grand Forks County reported so far this year.

Public Health says the most common mosquito species that can carry the virus are most active for a few hours after sunset.

They say the following steps can be taken to reduce the risk of 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)