Community Corner
West Nile Virus Cases Rise; 26 Affected in Minnesota
Wearing repellent is one way to prevent mosquito-transmitted diseases.
There are 26 cases of West Nile Virus in Minnesota, according to the Minnesota Department of Health. On Saturday, that number was at 21, the Star Tribune reported.
Neighboring Hennepin and Scott Counties have one case each of West Nile Virus. Dakota County does not currently have any confirmed cases.
Earlier this month, a Murray County man who had the virus died. His is the only death so far attributed to West Nile Virus. Officials noted then that they expected cases of the virus to rise through early autumn.
"The species of mosquito that transmits the virus to humans is most abundant in July and August. Mosquito repellents used during outdoor activities at dusk and dawn can prevent this potentially severe disease,” MDH Epidemiologist David Neitzel said at the time.
MDH has listed the following prevention tips:
- Wear mosquito repellent containing up to 30% DEET (10% for children).
- Wear long sleeve shirts and pants.
- Avoid outdoor activity at peak mosquito feeding times (dawn and dusk).
- Eliminate water-holding containers (buckets, tires, etc.) from your property. This will reduce numbers of several mosquito species.
More about West Nile Virus, as well as information from the CDC: Is West Nile Virus Coming to Burnsville?
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