2 West Nile virus deaths, 20 cases reported in Minnesota so far in 2025
West Nile cases reported in Minnesota
The Minnesota Department of Health is encouraging people to take precautions as 20 cases of West Nile virus have been confirmed so far this year, two of which resulted in deaths.
ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) - The Minnesota Department of Health is encouraging people to take precautions as 20 cases of West Nile virus have been confirmed so far this year, two of which resulted in deaths.
MDH confirmed to FOX 9 the two people who died were both men over age 60. One was from the Twin Cities metro, the other was a resident of western Minnesota. Health officials did not release when they died.
What is West Nile virus?
What we know:
West Nile virus is transmitted to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. Most people bitten by infected mosquitoes either have no symptoms, or mild flu-like illness. State health officials say less than 1% of people infected develop encephalitis or meningitis.
Symptoms show up within one to two weeks, and there is no treatment for the illness other than supportive care.
State health officials say case numbers can vary year-to-year due to temperatures and rainfall. Elderly people with weaker immune systems are at the greatest risk for West Nile virus, along with people who work outside or have frequent outdoor activities.
Dig deeper:
Michael Gale, Jr., PhD, a professor at the University of Minnesota Medical School provided more context about why the health and medical communities are concerned about West Nile Virus cases across the state this year.
Gale is the head of the Department of Microbiology and Immunology and director of the University of Minnesota Institute on Infectious Diseases, leading a research program and team studying how the West Nile Virus replicates, gets transmitted, and causes disease.
The team is also working to develop medical interventions to protect against infection and disease.
"There were two deaths reported so far this year, 20 cases. Typically, the encephalitis cases are less than 1%, and in some years, less than 0.1%," he told FOX 9. "So, if you do the math, we’re over that number right now, even though the numbers are overall low. So, we should be aware and take precautions."
Where has been the worst this year?
Why you should care:
The health department says West Nile virus has been found throughout Minnesota this year. The areas at highest risk have been the farm regions of western and central Minnesota. Iowa, North Dakota and South Dakota have also had increased activity.
How can you protect yourself?
What you can do:
State health officials say a few simple steps can help prevent from getting West Nile virus.
- Use insect repellents that are registered by the Environmental Protection Agency and contain up to 30% DEET.
- Pre-treat clothing and gear with permethrin-based products.
- Wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants.
- Be extra cautious or avoid outdoor activities at dusk and dawn, the peak feeding time for many mosquitoes, particularly from July through September.
- Keep mosquitoes out of your home by maintaining screens on windows and doors.