Mosquito-Borne Illnesses in NE Minnesota

What You Should Know About Mosquito-Borne Illnesses in NE Minnesota

Mosquitoes are often called the deadliest animal on earth. It’s true. They outrank snakes by a factor of 20 and dogs by a factor of 40. Scorpions and crocodiles combined do not even kill 1% of the people that mosquitoes do each year.

That’s not to say that you should live your life in fear of mosquitoes. The diseases that circulate in NE Minnesota are typically not fatal. But they do exist, and understanding them puts mosquito control in the right context.

We’re not saying this to be alarmist. Rather, we just want to make sure you know what’s out there so you can prevent unnecessary risk.

West Nile Virus

West Nile is the most common mosquito-borne disease in the United States. It's transmitted when a mosquito picks up the virus from an infected bird and then bites a human. Minnesota reports cases annually.

Most people who are infected never develop symptoms. About one in five develops a fever, headache, and body aches that resolve on their own. In rare cases, about 1 in 150 infections, the virus causes serious neurological complications including encephalitis or meningitis. Older adults and people with compromised immune systems are at higher risk for severe outcomes.

There’s no vaccine and no specific treatment. Prevention, meaning reducing your exposure to mosquitoes, is the primary defense.

Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)

EEE is rare, but it's severe. The fatality rate among symptomatic cases is approximately 30%, and many survivors experience lasting neurological damage. It's transmitted by mosquitoes that breed in freshwater swamps and hardwood wetlands—both of which NE Minnesota has in abundance.

Cases are rare in Minnesota, but the virus has been detected in the state. The mosquito species that carries it is present here. EEE is worth knowing about because of its severity, even though your odds of encountering it are low.

La Crosse Encephalitis

La Crosse encephalitis primarily affects children and is transmitted by woodland mosquitoes (the Aedes triseriatus species). They breed in tree holes and small containers in forested areas, which makes this a greater concern in NE Minnesota.

For the most part, infections cause mild illness. But in some cases, particularly with children, the virus can cause encephalitis with seizures, coma, and lasting neurological effects. It's underreported because mild cases often aren't diagnosed.

How Transmission Works

Mosquitoes have to pick up diseases from somewhere. They don’t just spontaneously arise within them. Instead, they pick up pathogens by feeding on infected birds or animals, and then transmit them to the next host they bite.

This is why diseases tend to follow patterns when certain mosquito species feed on certain hosts and breed in certain habitats. Understanding the cycle helps explain why some areas and some seasons are riskier than others.

Tick-Borne Diseases Are Part of the Picture Too

While we're on the subject of vector-borne illness in NE Minnesota, ticks carry their own set of diseases. Lyme disease is the most well-known, transmitted by deer ticks that are expanding across the state. Anaplasmosis is another, transmitted by deer ticks as well, and it causes flu-like symptoms that can become serious if untreated.

The overlap matters because the same outdoor activity that exposes you to mosquitoes exposes you to ticks. The best pest management addresses both.

Prevention Is the Best Medicine

The best way you can reduce your odds of falling ill is to reduce the presence of mosquitoes in places where you spend the most time. If you’re looking for tips on mosquito control, the 7 T's of mosquito control is a great place to start. It’s also smart to wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing if you’re going to spend time outdoors around when mosquitoes are active.

Beyond that, you can always opt for a professional barrier treatment from Mosquito Squad of NE Minnesota. With it, you can reduce mosquito populations by up to 90% for 21 days at a time. While nothing can eliminate all risk, this is still a great way to reduce the number of mosquitoes on your property, and along with it, the likelihood of bites.

Concerned about mosquito-borne illnesses in NE Minnesota? Call Mosquito Squad of NE Minnesota at (218) 325-9495 or contact us online for a free quote.