First West Nile Virus Detected In South Dakota’s Minnehaha County This Season
Following our first bout with blazing hot summer weather, it was only a matter of time before one of our other summer staples made an appearance.
The South Dakota Department of Health has confirmed the first West Nile virus mosquito pools of the season have been detected in Minnehaha County.
Officials urge individuals across the state to take simple steps to protect themselves and their families against the virus, which can cause symptoms such as fever, headaches, rash, swollen lymph nodes, and muscle and joint aches.
How to avoid being bitten
Prevent mosquito bites and reduce the risk of WNV by taking the following precautions:
- Apply mosquito repellents (such as DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, 2-undecanone, para-menthane-diol, or IR3535) to your clothes and exposed skin. Limit exposure by wearing pants and long sleeves in the evening.
- Limit time outdoors from dusk to midnight when mosquitoes are most active. Culex tarsalis is the primary carrier of WNV in South Dakota.
- Remove standing water that provides mosquitoes with a breeding ground. Regularly change the water in birdbaths, outside pet dishes, and drain water from other flowerpots and garden containers. Also, avoid areas near standing water.
- Support local mosquito control efforts.
Who is at risk for West Nile?
Personal precautions are especially important for those at high risk for severe illness from West Nile – people over 60 years of age, pregnant women, transplant patients, individuals with cancer, diabetes, hypertension, and kidney disease.
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Individuals experiencing fever with headache, muscle aches, or rash should consult their physician.
West Nile's Deadly History
South Dakota has reported more than 2,864 human cases and 54 deaths since WNV was first reported in 2002. Every county has reported cases.