A group of mosquitoes collected in Grand Forks were identified as carrying the West Nile virus on Thursday.
The cities of Grand Forks and East Grand Forks are recommending that citizens take extra precautions to avoid contact with mosquitoes.
Mosquitoes can pick up the West Nile virus when it feeds on an infected bird. Sometimes, mosquitoes also feed on mammals such as horses, dogs, cats and humans and transmit the virus to them.
Most people infected with the virus do not experience symptoms, but some when symptoms are present, they include fever, headaches, body aches, skin rash and swollen lymph nodes up to two weeks after initial exposure.
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The most common mosquito that carries West Nile virus is called Culex tarsalis, and it is most active just before sundown, throughout the night and in the early hours of the morning.
The health department also recommends some precautions to avoid contracting the West Nile virus, such as using insect repellent containing DEET, limiting outdoor activities between dusk and dawn, wearing long pants and long-sleeved shirts and getting rid of standing water outside of residential areas, including birdfeeders, flowerpots and wading pools.
