First confirmed West Nile case of 2012 in Minnesota - KMSP-TV

The year's first human case of West Nile virus in Minnesota has been confirmed by state health officials.

A St. Louis County man became ill with West Nile encephalitis and meningitis in late May after traveling to south-central Minnesota. He was hospitalized and is recovering.

Most people bitten by infected mosquitoes develop West Nile fever, the less severe form of disease, or fight off the virus without any symptoms.

But about 1 out of 150 people bitten by West Nile-infected mosquitoes will develop central nervous system disease (encephalitis or meningitis). Approximately 10 percent of people with this severe form of infection die from their illness, and many survivors suffer from long-term nervous system problems.

"Sporadic early-season cases can occur, such as this first 2012 case," said David Neitzel, a Minnesota Department of Health epidemiologist "However, the species of mosquito that transmits the virus to humans is most abundant in July and August. Anyone not already using repellents should begin doing so now to prevent this severe disease."

Minnesota Department of Health mosquito repellent recommendations

• Repellents containing DEET (up to 30 percent concentration) are still the most widely used and can provide long-lasting protection against mosquito bites.
  
  
• Permethrin is a strong repellent and will kill mosquitoes that come into contact with treated clothing. Repellents containing permethrin are applied to clothing (not skin). Treated clothing can be worn after the repellent dries.
  
  
• Effective alternatives to DEET or permethrin include repellents containing picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535.
  
  
• For maximum effectiveness and safety, all mosquito repellents should be used according to label directions.

Other important steps to prevent mosquito bites and serious illness from West Nile virus include:

• Minimize outdoor activities at dusk and dawn, as this is prime feeding time for WNV-carrying mosquitoes. If you go outside at these times, take precautions even if mosquito numbers seem low; it only takes one bite from an infected mosquito to transmit the virus.
  
  
• Wear loose-fitting, long-sleeve shirts and long pants if you must spend time in an area where mosquitoes are biting.

Symptoms of WNV disease usually begin 3 to 15 days after being bitten and can include headache, high fever, rash, muscle weakness, stiff neck, disorientation, convulsions, paralysis and coma.

Information on WNV can be found at the MDH website: http://www.health.state.mn.us/. Further information on repellents is at the CDC website: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/RepellentUpdates.htm

People who have questions about WNV can call MDH at 651-201-5414 or 877-676-5414 (outstate) between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.