The first confirmed case of the West Nile Virus in Minnesota was reported in Polk County on Friday.
An unvaccinated horse is the state's first victim, according to Alex Carlson with the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District.
"It showed signs of weakness, loss of muscles," Carlson says. "Yeah, it was falling down during a typical exam, so they knew that something was wrong with it. And that's when they decided to give it the test."
Carlson says the virus attacks the nervous system of both animals and humans.
"It's like an encephalitis, so it can attack the brain stem," Carlson adds. "It causes flu-like symptoms, nausea, fatigue, fever, things like that. Mostly it harms older Americans. They're more susceptible, but for some cases it can be neuroinvasive and can be very dangerous."
Although there were over 100 cases reported in humans in Minnesota last year, no cases have been reported in 2026.
Part of the reason for that is drought. Much of Minnesota is experiencing very dry conditions, and the lack of precipitation has also led to a lack of mosquitos. If you've spent much time outdoors this summer, you probably noticed it is not nearly as buggy out there as normal.
The most common mosquitos are a flood water variety that only hatch after rain. Carlson says not to get too comfortable, however.
"August is the peak month for West Nile virus transmission in Minnesota, for humans and for other animals," he adds. "So, it's the time of the year where even when you're not seeing a lot of mosquitoes, still doesn't hurt to bring along the bug spray just to be safe."
Carlson says the virus is transmitted through both mosquitos and birds.
