![Risk of West Nile Virus Grows as Hot, Dry Weather Sets In](http://townsquare.media/site/390/files/2013/07/Mosquito.jpg?w=300&h=200&zc=1&s=0&a=t&q=89&w=980&q=75)
Risk of West Nile Virus Grows as Hot, Dry Weather Sets In
UNDATED -- An epidemiologist with the Minnesota Department of Health says it's time to start thinking about West Nile Virus.
Elizabeth Schiffman says the hot and dry weather in July and August make conditions ripe for the species of mosquito which carries the virus. But, Schiffman says it's important to understand that most people don't realize when they're exposed to West Nile Virus.
Schiffman says if you start feeling like you have the flu, a fever, or muscle aches, you should go to your doctor to see if you have West Nile Virus.
Health officials say take the usual precautions and wear repellent when you're outdoors and try to avoid being outside during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
More From AM 1240 WJON
![SMACK! Did You Know That Minnesota Has 51 Different Types Of Mosquitoes?](http://townsquare.media/site/65/files/2019/06/RS10135_490993029.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Horse In Mille Lacs County Diagnosed With West Nile Virus](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2014/10/RS7758_465289325-scr.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![First Case of West Nile Confirmed in Minnesota Horse this Year](http://townsquare.media/site/390/files/2013/07/Mosquito.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![MN Mosquitoes Hatching Soon](http://townsquare.media/site/390/files/2013/07/Mosquito.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Minnesota Reports 1st West Nile Death of 2013](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2013/08/Screen-Shot-2013-08-12-at-81.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Minnesota Has First 2013 Case of West Nile Virus](http://townsquare.media/site/390/files/2013/07/Mosquito.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![MN Reports 4 More West Nile Cases](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2011/05/mosquito.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![8 More West Nile Virus Cases Confirmed in Minnesota](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2011/05/mosquito.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Minnesota Reports 9 More West Nile Cases](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2011/05/mosquito.jpg?w=980&q=75)