Dry summer leads to fewer mosquitoes

by Toni Randolph, Minnesota Public Radio

St. Paul, Minn. — Minnesota's dry summer has meant fewer mosquitoes so far this year.

But officials say that doesn't mean there's no risk for mosquito-borne illnesses. One case of West Nile Virus has already been found in Minnesota.

Mike McLean, a spokesman for the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District, said the number of West Nile cases generally increases in late July and early August. So people should not let their guard down, he said.

"It's kind of a tricky time of the year because on the one hand, we're pleased that we aren't getting bit a lot by mosquitoes," McLean said. "On the other hand, we want to make sure people keep using their repellant and keep a little bit of an awareness of mosquitoes because this is the time of the year when the disease risk starts to rise."

McLean also said people should dump pools of standing water that can provide a breeding ground for mosquitoes.