Minnesota West Nile Virus Reaches ‘Outbreak’ Level; Cases Rise Across North Dakota

ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA — Public health officials say the West Nile virus has reached “outbreak” levels in Minnesota, with the state reporting more than 100 confirmed cases and multiple deaths as mosquito season nears its end. Neighboring North Dakota is also experiencing above-average infections, marking one of the most severe regional seasons in recent years.

Minnesota Records Highest Case Numbers in Over a Decade

According to Elizabeth Schiffman, who oversees the Vectorborne Diseases Unit at the Minnesota Department of Health, this year has been an “outbreak year.” Minnesota has recorded 103 confirmed West Nile cases and 10 deaths as of October 10, including one fatality in Clay County.
Of those infected, 76 people have been hospitalized, and 58 developed neuroinvasive disease, which affects the brain or spinal cord. Schiffman said this year’s outbreak is second only to 2003, when Minnesota documented 148 infections, shortly after the virus first reached the state.

“For whatever reason, everything just kind of came together to create a perfect storm of West Nile,” Schiffman told reporters, noting that unusually warm, wet summer conditions boosted mosquito activity statewide.

North Dakota Also Reports Elevated Activity

In North Dakota, health officials have confirmed 84 cases of West Nile virus so far this season, with 17 reported in Cass County and one death statewide. Amanda Bakken, an epidemiologist with North Dakota Health and Human Services, described 2025 as “an above-average or possibly high-incidence season.”
“The extended mosquito season and lack of early frost allowed mosquitoes to remain active far longer than usual,” Bakken said. “It’s a reminder that this disease doesn’t just disappear after summer.”

What Makes This Season Different

Experts say a long mosquito breeding window and humid, rainy summer weather created ideal conditions for virus transmission. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that West Nile symptoms typically appear two to six days after a bite from an infected mosquito but can take up to 15 days to develop.
Most infected people experience mild or no symptoms, but those who do may develop fever, headache, nausea, fatigue, or joint pain. Severe cases, which occur in less than 1% of infections, can cause encephalitis or meningitis, potentially leading to coma or death — especially in elderly patients or those with preexisting health conditions.

Regional and National Context

Minnesota’s case count is among the highest in the nation this season. By comparison, North Dakota has seen 36 hospitalizations, and South Dakota has reported 83 total cases, including four deaths, as of October 8.
Nationally, the CDC’s ArboNET system has tracked 1,433 confirmed West Nile cases across the United States as of October 7, with 957 classified as neuroinvasive. Health departments expect these numbers to rise as lab confirmations continue to come in.

Health Officials Urge Prevention

Officials are urging residents to continue mosquito bite prevention until a hard freeze arrives. Recommended precautions include using insect repellent with up to 30% DEET, wearing long sleeves and pants, and avoiding outdoor activity at dusk and dawn — peak feeding times for mosquitoes.
“We’ve got a ways to go before we close the book on this West Nile season,” Schiffman added. “Luckily, reports have really slowed down, which is encouraging.”

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