DULUTH, Minn. (Northern News Now) - Health Leaders are warning the public of an increase in West Nile Virus cases in the state of Minnesota.

The disease is transmitted through infected mosquitoes.

According to the Minnesota Department of Health, there have been 20 cases and two deaths in the state this year, despite just getting into the peak season now.

There were a total of 40 cases seen in Minnesota patients last year.

However, according to Beth Thielen, a Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Minnesota, the final stretch of the season is typically the worst.

“We haven’t seen the big peak of cases we’d typically see in the fall just yet, so it looks like it will probably be a big year for the West Nile compared to recent relative years,” said Thielen.

According to the CDC,

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