Edina Mayor Warns of Elevated West Nile Virus Risk
Edina Mayor Jim Hullvin issued a public health advisory Wednesday warning residents of unusually high West Nile virus activity in the metropolitan area, urging increased precautions against mosquito bites.
The Metropolitan Mosquito Control District reported that 25% of mosquito pools tested positive for West Nile virus in mid-July, representing one of the highest positivity rates ever recorded for that time period. The rate is more typical of late August when mosquito populations typically decline.
Dr. Jordan Manley reported that of 133 mosquito pools tested, 34 tested positive for the virus. Culex tarsalis mosquitoes, the species most responsible for human transmission of West Nile virus, are active in some of the highest numbers ever recorded, according to the district's laboratory.
Hullvin recommended residents use EPA-registered insect repellent, wear long sleeves and light-colored, loose-fitting pants, eliminate stagnant water from yards, and avoid outdoor activities during dawn and dusk when mosquito activity peaks. The mayor noted that while mosquito numbers are expected to decrease in coming weeks, infection risk will remain high.
Mosquitoes have tested positive for West Nile virus in all seven metropolitan counties this year, with activity increasing earlier than usual due to hot, humid weather conditions.
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Source document
[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.
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Elevated West Nile Virus Risk and Prevention Measures
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