West Nile Virus: Protect Yourself as Summer Winds Down

September 13, 2025

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As summer comes to a close, mosquitoes might be the last thing on your mind, but now is actually when we tend to see the highest number of West Nile cases in Minnesota. As of August 27, 2025, the Minnesota Department of Health has reported 20 cases and 2 deaths linked to West Nile Virus in our state.

West Nile Virus is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes pick up the virus when they feed on birds that carry it. West Nile is not spread from person to person. While most people who are infected never develop symptoms, about 1 in 5 experience flu-like illness. In rare cases, the virus can cause severe illness, such as encephalitis (brain inflammation) or meningitis.

Common Symptoms of West Nile Virus
• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Rash (typically on the chest and back)
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Sore throat
• Pain behind the eyes

Severe Symptoms (Encephalitis or Meningitis)
• Intense, severe headache
• High fever (over 103°F)
• Stiff neck
• Confusion or disorientation
• Muscle weakness
• Tremors or convulsions
• Seizures
• Paralysis
• Coma

How to Protect Yourself
• Avoid being outdoors during peak mosquito activity (early morning and dusk).
• Use insect repellent when spending time outside.
• Wear long sleeves and pants to cover exposed skin.
• Eliminate standing water around your home where mosquitoes can breed.

Stay vigilant for just a little longer. Winter will be here soon enough, and snow will take over as our seasonal nuisance.