The St. Louis County Department of Health reports that mosquitoes in the county have tested positive for West Nile Virus, though no human cases have been reported.
Although it sounds all freaky and exotic, West Nile Virus isn't really that horrible--most people never even realize they have it, and if they do the nausea, rash and headaches subside after 3 to 6 days.
So don't panic. But health officials say it's a good thing to be aware of human behaviors that let mosquitoes breed, so we can knock 'em off.
"Even though serious West Nile virus cases in humans are rare, it is important to minimize our exposure," health department director Dr. Dolores J. Gunn said in a press release. "We can do this by eliminating opportunities for mosquitoes to breed and multiply."
So drain standing water, change your birdbaths once a week, keep gutters clean and repair your screens.
Happy summer!
