Vector control indicates that West Nile virus is widespread throughout Cass County

Vector Control had five of thirty samples containing West Nile

WEST FARGO, ND – The combination of regular rainfall, warm temperatures and high humidity led to a number of West Nile virus mosquitoes Above average, according to Cass County control teams sprayed streets in the subway Wednesday evening after mosquitoes were found in the area.

"We saw a kind of ebb and flow, we" We saw signs of West Nile circulating in the area with dead birds, now we have seen positive basins and unfortunately we have already seen a documented human case, "said Ben Prather, director of Cass County Vector Control.

West Nile virus only affects one in five people, but most people who contract the virus have no symptoms.

"This is a relatively small percentage of people who will get sick with this type of disease., And" Prather says that there is an above average number of mosquitoes with West Nile in the South of Cass County. "

His team performs ground spraying in the metropolitan area.

He says they may need another spraying over the next seven to ten years. next few days since the air jet does not affect larvae hatched in the water.

"We know for sure that there is an outbreak on the outskirts, in our suburban outer suburbs and places where we can not larvicide," Prather said.

These trucks will go around Fargo, West Fargo and Moorhead to spray chemicals that attack adult mosquitoes. But health experts say that it's important to use an insecticide with DEET to prevent the disease from spreading.

"If you have to stay outside for long periods between dusk and dawn, wear long pants, wear a long shirt. Try to minimize exposure between twilight and dawn, said Brenton Nesemeier, field epidemiologist at the North Dakota Department of Health

People should also change stagnant water in bird baths or in containers that can serve as a refuge for little buggers.

But now that the problem has been identified, Prather says it might take some time to tackle the solution.

"Conditions continue to ripen here, so we have some difficult sleds over the next week or two, but we will do everything we can to keep things at bay," said Prather

. The towns of Grand Forks and East Grand Forks will also be sprayed throughout the city to attack mosquitoes tomorrow evening.

Grand Forks Mosquito Control has identified several West Nile virus-positive birds and mosquitoes.