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MPR News Staff

Mosquito numbers down, West Nile virus still a threat

Trapped mosquitoes
Trapped mosquitoes at the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District lab in St. Paul in July 2013.
MPR Photo/Jennifer Simonson

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The number of mosquitos this summer has peaked — but the season for mosquitoes carrying the West Nile virus isn't yet over.

The heat of August, paired with the heavy rains and flooding of early summer, have created conditions perfect for mosquitoes carrying the virus, said Mike McLean, spokesman for the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District. "Even if the mosquito population doesn't seem too bad," he said, "make sure you pack your repellant, because those few mosquitoes that are out there may be carrying virus this time of year."

McLean said people should continue to use mosquito repellent until the first frost of the year. The Minnesota Department of Health says the highest-risk period for mosquito-borne disease is mid-July through August.

Minnesota has seen more than 70 cases of West Nile virus in each of the past two years, compared to only two cases that surfaced in 2011.