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West Nile found in north, south St. Louis County

By St. Louis Public Radio

St. Louis, MO – The St. Louis County Health Department found mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus.

Health Department spokesman Craig LeFebvre said the insects were located in north and south county. LeFebvre said there haven't been any human cases yet.

"This in and of itself is no cause for alarm," said LeFebvre. "It is a reminder that we need to minimize the mosquito population and work to that extent."

Human cases of West Nile peaked at nearly 10,000 nationwide in 2003, but last year there were only about 700.

The West Nile virus is usually not severe, but it can be fatal. LeFebvre said residents can protect themselves from mosquitoes by draining standing water on their property and wearing bug repellant.

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