The West Nile virus has been detected in a sample of mosquitoes collected this week in Ramsey County.

The virus usually is found in mosquito samples around this time of year, said Kirk Johnson, vector ecologist with the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District. "Even though the health risk is still low, we should all use common sense measures to avoid mosquito bites," he said.

The recent rainfall will cause an increase in the mosquito species responsible for spreading the virus within the bird population and warm summer weather could accelerate the trend, according to the mosquito district.

To reduce the risk from the virus:

• Dump water from containers, where mosquitoes can breed.

• Repair broken window screens.

• Wear long-sleeved, loosefitting and light-colored clothing.

• Apply mosquito repellent.

• Try to avoid prolonged outdoor activity at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.

Mary Lynn Smith