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Mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus have been detected in Anoka and Carver counties, but officials say people shouldn鈥檛 be alarmed.

鈥淲e have detected West Nile virus at this point in time, but not to the point where we鈥檙e concerned about human transmission,鈥� said Monte Ebbesen, Metropolitan Mosquito Control District public affairs assistant. 鈥淭his is kind of the normal time of the year where it鈥檚 at its peak. We鈥檒l expect some cases, but right now, we鈥檙e not concerned.鈥�

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

鈥淚t鈥檚 all a part of our Integrated Pest Management Program. We treat water-holding areas at the larval stage, and if needed, we鈥檒l do adult treatments 鈥� what people call 鈥榮praying,鈥欌�� Ebbesen said.

Contributed / MnDOT

But officials urge that it鈥檚 not just up to them 鈥� individual action is needed, too.

鈥淚t鈥檚 also on people to take personal responsibility 鈥� wear bug spray, dress appropriately, avoid perfume and wear light colors,鈥� she said. 鈥淭here are ways to avoid getting bitten and lower the risk of transmission.鈥�

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. West Nile virus was first detected in the state in 2002 and has since become a recurring seasonal concern.

Anoka County is on the north side of Minneapolis, while Carver County is southwest of the Twin Cities.