Diseases that can be Transmitted by Mosquitoes
While mosquito-transmitted disease is not as common in Minnesota as it
is in tropical climates, there are several diseases of potential concern
to Minnesota residents. Minnesota
residents who travel to other countries can return with tropical diseases
such as malaria. West Nile virus was found in Minnesota in 2002 and
we suspect that this virus will continue to be a public health
concern in future years.
- West Nile
Virus (WNV)
West Nile virus is a disease transmitted to people, horses, and birds. It is the most commonly reported mosquito-transmitted disease in Minnesota. Most people infected with West Nile virus show no symptoms or flu-like symptoms, but some (primarily elderly) have more severe illness.
- LaCrosse
Encephalitis (LAC)
LaCrosse encephalitis, which is transmitted by the Tree Hole mosquito, is responsible for 3 to 13 cases of severe illness (primarily in children) each year in Minnesota.
- Western
Equine Encephalitis (WEE)
During 1941, there was a large regional outbreak of Western equine encephalitis. There may have been as many as 791 cases in Minnesota that year with 90 deaths. In more recent years, Minnesota has had infrequent and smaller outbreaks of WEE (15 human cases in 1975, single cases in 1983 and 1999).
- Eastern
Equine Encephalitis (EEE)
Eastern equine encephalitis is a rare illness in humans, and only a few cases are reported in the United States each year. EEE is quite severe and typically fatal among infected horses.
- St.
Louis Encephalitis (SLE)
CDC; Cases of St. Louis encephalitis are usually the result of unpredictable and intermittent localized epidemics. Attention: Non-MDH link
- Malaria
CDC; Malaria is not a public health concern in North America, but people who travel to or have lived in other areas of the world may be at risk and should be familiar with the symptoms of the disease and the drugs used to prevent infection. Attention: Non-MDH link
Spotlight
West Nile Virus Prevention Poster: Spray Before You Work or Play
Mosquito-Transmitted Disease News
News releases, news articles, public service announcements, and podcasts related to mosquito-transmitted disease and West Nile.
If you have questions or comments about this page, use our IDEPC Comment Form or call 651-201-5414 (TTY: 651-201-5797) for the MDH Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Prevention and Control Division.
