We caution area residents not to panic over Wednesday's announcement that the West Nile virus was found in a dead crow near Dexter.

Mower County Chief Deputy Terese Amazi put it best when she said the virus was bound to show up here, as neighboring counties have already reported cases of West Nile.

The chances of getting bit by a mosquito carrying the virus is rare. And even if that does occur, only one out of 150 persons will contract the virus.

Still, it wouldn't hurt for people to take precautions by using mosquito spray with at least 30 percent DEET in the repellent. Avoiding places with standing water is also a good idea to help local residents from contracting the virus.