West Nile virus has been confirmed in both Minnesota and North Dakota this season. There is a risk of contracting West Nile virus anytime mosquitoes are active.
Health and Human Services recommends using insect repellent registered with the Environmental Protection Agency that contains ingredients such as DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, PMD, 2-undecanone, and permethrin (on clothing). Wearing protective clothing outdoors, such as long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks, can limit exposure to mosquitoes. It is also advisable to avoid outdoor activities between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most likely to bite. Eliminating standing water in containers where mosquitoes can lay their eggs and installing or repairing screens on windows and doors can help keep mosquitoes out of residences.
Most people infected with West Nile virus experience no symptoms. Those who do develop symptoms commonly report fever, headache, body/joint aches, or rash. Severe illness may cause stiff neck, altered mental status, paralysis, coma, and possibly death.