By MPR News

Mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus have been detected in Anoka and Carver counties, but officials say people shouldn’t be alarmed.

“We have detected West Nile virus … but not to the point where we’re concerned about human transmission,” said Monte Ebbesen, Metropolitan Mosquito Control District public affairs assistant. “This is kind of the normal time of the year where it’s at its peak. We’ll expect some cases, but right now, we’re not concerned.”

She said their agency is working to ensure that the community stays safe.

“It’s all a part of our Integrated Pest Management Program. We treat water-holding areas at the larval stage, and if needed, we’ll do adult treatments — what people call ‘spraying,’” Ebbesen said.

But officials urge that it’s not just up to them; individual action is needed too.

“It’s also on people to take personal responsibility — wear bug spray, dress appropriately, avoid perfume and wear light colors,” she said. “There are ways to avoid getting bitten and lower the risk of transmission.”

Most people infected with the virus show no symptoms, according to the Mayo Clinic Health System. When symptoms do appear, individuals may experience fever, headache, body aches, swollen lymph nodes, diarrhea, rash and vomiting.

People with cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure or kidney disease face a higher risk of severe illness associated with the virus. More severe symptoms of the virus include neck stiffness, muscle weakness and paralysis.

Mosquitoes with West Nile are known to linger around swamps and ponds and are most active between dusk and dawn.

In 2022, 22 West Nile cases were reported in Minnesota. The virus first was detected in the state in 2002 and has since become a recurring seasonal concern.