Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — The City of Albuquerque and Bernalillo County operate a joint mosquito control program, providing surveillance and treatment services across Bernalillo County. Recently, mosquitoes infected with West Nile virus have been detected in Bernalillo County. The infected mosquitoes were collected via routine monitoring at locations near the Rio Grande. The University of New Mexico Center for Global Health performed testing and confirmation. Nick Pederson, City of Albuquerque Urban Biology division manager says that while mosquitoes are not currently widespread due to dry conditions, they continue to see them concentrated in wet areas. Mosquitoes with West Nile virus can pass the virus to humans and other animals, including birds and horses, through a bite. Pederson reminds the public that as monsoon season approaches, it’s very important for residents to check their yards and neighborhoods for standing water that could become a mosquito breeding source.
