[0:00] Well, greetings everybody. This is Jim [0:02] Hullvin, your adina mayor, and this is [0:03] the mayor's minute for Wednesday, July [0:05] 30th, 2025. As we head into the late [0:08] summer months, the risk of mosquito-born [0:10] disease tends to increase, especially in [0:13] years with hot, humid weather like we're [0:15] having this year. This year, residents [0:18] are advised to take particular caution [0:20] to avoid mosquito bites. With West Nile [0:22] virus activity increasing earlier than [0:25] usual, mosquitoes have tested positive [0:28] in all seven metropolitan counties. The [0:31] positivity rate is higher than normal [0:33] for July, so be careful. Last week, [0:36] Metropolitan Mosquito Control District's [0:38] lab reported that the Cullex tarselis [0:40] mosquitoes, the species most responsible [0:43] for human transmission of Westnile [0:45] virus, are active in some of the highest [0:48] numbers they've ever recorded. Dr. [0:50] Jordan Manley reported that in mid July [0:53] of the 133 mosquito pools tested, 34 or [0:58] 25% tested positive for West Nile virus. [1:01] It is one of the highest positivity [1:04] rates ever recorded than July and is [1:06] more typical of late August when the [1:08] mosquito populations are winding down. [1:11] With the elevated risk of West Nile [1:13] virus in the air, it is important that [1:15] residents take steps to protect [1:17] themselves. So, make sure that you wear [1:19] an EPA registered insect repellent. Wear [1:23] long sleeves and pants. It's best if [1:25] they are light colors and loose fitting. [1:28] Eliminate any stagnant water in your [1:30] yard. And avoid the outdoors during peak [1:32] mosquito activity hours surrounding dawn [1:35] and dusk. While mosquito numbers are [1:37] expected to decrease in the coming [1:39] weeks, the chances of getting infected [1:41] with West Nile virus will remain high. [1:44] So, it is very important to be vigilant [1:46] and continue to use protection. Please [1:48] protect yourself and stay healthy. This [1:50] is Jim Hufflin and that's your mayor's [1:52] minute for Wednesday, July 30th, 2025. [1:55] Have a great rest of the week and make [1:56] sure that you protect yourself from this [1:58] West Nile virus.