Summer is coming to an end, but Minnesotans should still be careful to avoid mosquito bites, the Minnesota Department of Health said.

So far this year, the Minnesota Department of Health has reported 20 cases of illness from West Nile virus. Two of the affected people have died. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, several cases have been reported in southwest Minnesota.

“This is a high-risk time of year for West Nile virus transmission,” Elizabeth Schiffman, supervisor of MDH’s Vectorborne Diseases Unit, said in a news release. “It’s important to prevent mosquito bites when people are enjoying time outside while the weather is still nice. That’s the best way to avoid getting West Nile virus.”

West Nile virus is transmitted to people through the bite of

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