Rare Virus Has Now Killed Two People in Minnesota

A rare virus has now turned deadly in Minnesota, with two confirmed deaths linked to the disease. Health officials are raising alarms, warning residents to take precautions as they monitor for more cases.

Ever since the pandemic five years ago, Minnesotans have been used to seeing words like 'disease,' 'virus,' and sadly, 'deaths,' in various news reports and stories. But the word from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) that a new virus has now claimed two lives in our state is still shocking and upsetting.

Minnesota Flu Deaths Highlight Ongoing Health Risks

Sadly, Minnesota, like most states, isn't immune to seeing lives lost each year to more common viruses. Take influenza, for example. While many of us have come down with a case of the flu from time to time, it usually isn't deadly.

SEE ALSO: Five Suprising Foods That Are Illegal To Eat in Minnesota

But, sadly, that's not always the case. During the 2023–24 influenza season, Minnesota saw 270 flu-related deaths. In fact, KSTP-TV in Minneapolis reported that the Gopher State saw 202 flu-related deaths in the most recent 2024-2025 season. Those figures are similar to previous years, as well, according to FOX-9 TV in the Twin Cities, which reported that there were 224 deaths in 2022–23 and 71 in 2021–22.

West Nile Virus Confirmed in Minnesota With Deadly Cases

And now MDH just issued a release that said it has confirmed 20 cases of West Nile Virus so far this year, and that two of the affected residents have died. MDH explained more about the West Nile Virus:

West Nile virus is transmitted to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. Most people who are bitten by infected mosquitoes will experience either no symptoms or a mild flu-like illness. Less than 1% of people who are infected develop encephalitis or meningitis (inflammation of the brain or surrounding tissues).

MDH went on to say that elderly residents and those with weakened immune systems are at greatest risk for West Nile, followed by people who work outside or participate in outdoor activities. They also said while cases have been confirmed throughout the state, agricultural areas in western and central Minnesota are seeing increased cases.

Health Officials Urge Minnesotans to Take Precautions Against West Nile

In its release, MDH encouraged Minnesotans to take precautions to prevent contracting West Nile Virus, and listed several ways you can protect yourself and your family:

• Use insect repellents that are registered by the Environmental Protection Agency and contain up to 30% DEET.
• Pretreat clothing and gear with permethrin-based products.
• Wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants.
• Be extra cautious or avoid outdoor activities at dusk and dawn, the peak feeding time for many mosquitoes, particularly from July through September.
• Keep mosquitoes out of your home by maintaining screens on windows and doors.

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