A woman from southwestern Minnesota has died of infection from the West Nile virus, the first such death in Minnesota this year.
The woman, who was not identified, lived in Cottonwood County and had been hospitalized since early August, according to the Minnesota Department of Health. She was in her 70s. A total of 11 cases of West Nile illness have been reported this year.
"We are saddened by this loss," said Dr. Harry Hull, the state epidemiologist. "This death clearly reminds us that infection with West Nile virus can be very serious, even life-threatening, particularly for the elderly and people with chronic health conditions."
Health officials say that the risk of West Nile virus, which is transmitted by mosquitoes, is highest in southwestern and central Minnesota.
Last year, 34 cases of illness were reported in Minnesota, including two deaths.
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