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Mark Steil
Worthington, Minn.

Cooler temps have meant fewer West Nile cases

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West Nile
In this Aug. 16, 2012 file photo, mosquitos are sorted at the Dallas County mosquito lab in Dallas.
AP Photo/LM Otero, File

Minnesota has seen nine cases of mosquito-borne West Nile virus so far this summer, fewer than last year.

Last year there were more than a dozen cases by this time.

Health department epidemiologist Elizabeth Schiffman said recent cooler temperatures have helped limit mosquito activity.

"It was really hot, really early in June," said Schiffman. "And we kind of thought 'oh no, what's this going to mean for West Nile this year?'. But then it's gotten cool and it's really stayed pretty cool."

With cool temperatures expected to continue, State health officials say it's unlikely the number of cases this year will top the 83 confirmed in 2016.

The virus was first found in the state 15 years ago. It's recommended that anyone outside in the evening or after dark wear mosquito repellent.

Symptoms include fever and muscle aches.