Forty-Nine West Nile Virus Cases in Minnesota, Including Two Deaths

Written by Kevira Voegele

Forty-nine Minnesotans have been diagnosed with West Nile Virus as of Monday, Sept. 16.

In its weekly update, the Minnesota Department of Health  (MDH) reports that the most cases—four each—have been confirmed in Polk County in northwest Minnesota and Stevens County in western Minnesota. Two cases have been confirmed in Hennepin County.

Two people have died of the virus. Those were confirmed earlier this summer.

“The typical incubation period for West Nile is two to six days, although it can be as long as 15 days,” according to the MDH.

In 2012, 70 cases of West Nile were reported in Minnesota.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services reports that no human cases have been confirmed as of Sept. 11. There are six probable cases, however.

In 2012, Wisconsin health officials confirmed 44 cases of the virus.

For more information about how to decrease your risk of mosquito bites, check out these previous stories:

• Preventing Bug Bites on Baby: How Do You Protect Your Kids?
• Is West Nile Virus Coming to Southwest Minneapolis?