With Mosquitos Increases Comes Increased Risk for West Nile Virus

Ada, MN — Conditions are perfect for a summer filled with mosquitoes! The standing water makes for an ideal breeding ground and soon it may be difficult to go outside without some sort of protection. And with an increased in mosquitoes comes an increased risk of West Nile Virus.  West Nile virus is a mosquitoborne virus that can cause encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) in some people. It was first found in Minnesota in 2002 and will remain a public health concern in the foreseeable future. Fortunately, most people who are bitten by infected mosquitoes will experience either no symptoms or mild illness. However locally, especially in Norman County, Sarah Kjono of Norman-Mahnomen Public Health says we are at high risk for West Nile Virus and encourages people to do what they can to avoid getting bit.

Ada Public Works Director Brian Rasmussen says they a trying to be proactive ahead of them hatching and will soon get to begin spraying for mosquitos twice a week.

Similar to other arboviruses, most West Nile Viruses cases occur later in the summer (July through September) when infected vector populations are at their highest level.

In 2018, 63 WNV disease cases were reported in Minnesota, slightly more than the median number of cases per year (49) from 2012 to 2017.

39 (62%) cases were hospitalized and 35 (56%) cases had a severe illness affecting the central nervous system (encephalitis or meningitis), including two fatalities in older adults.