South Dakota’s first West Nile virus detection of the season is a Brown County mosquito pool, a state health official said today. Last year’s first detection was a mosquito pool reported in Meade County on June 24.

“This detection means the virus is here and now being transmitted,” said Dr. Lon Kightlinger, state epidemiologist for the Department of Health. “It’s time to get in the habit of using repellent to protect against mosquitoes.”

Prevent mosquito bites and reduce the risk of West Nile with these precautions:

  • Apply mosquito repellents (DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535) to clothes and exposed skin. Limit exposure by wearing pants and long sleeves in the evening.
  • Limit time outdoors from dusk to midnight when Culex mosquitoes are most active. Culex are the primary carrier of WNV in South Dakota.
  • Get rid of standing water that gives mosquitoes a place to breed. Regularly change water in bird baths, outside pet dishes, and drain water from other flower pots and garden containers.
  • Support local mosquito control efforts.

Personal precautions are especially important for those at high risk for West Nile– people over 50, pregnant women, transplant patients, individuals with diabetes or high blood pressure, and those with a history of alcohol abuse. People with severe or unusual headaches should see their physicians.

Symptoms of West Nile virus:

  • No symptoms in most people. Most people (70-80%) who become infected with West Nile virus do not develop any symptoms.
  • Febrile illness in some people. About 1 in 5 people who are infected will develop a fever with other symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. Most people with this type of West Nile virus disease recover completely, but fatigue and weakness can last for weeks or months.
  • Severe symptoms in a few people. Less than 1% of people who are infected will develop a serious neurologic illness such as encephalitis or meningitis (inflammation of the brain or surrounding tissues). The symptoms of neurologic illness can include headache, high fever, neck stiffness, disorientation, coma, tremors, seizures, or paralysis.

Treatment for West Nile virus

  • There are no medications to treat or vaccines to prevent West Nile virus infection. Over-the-counter pain relievers can be used to reduce fever and relieve some symptoms.
  • People with milder symptoms typically recover on their own, although some symptoms may last for several weeks.
  • In more severe cases, patients often need to be hospitalized to receive supportive treatment, such as intravenous fluids, pain medication, and nursing care.

Since its first human West Nile case in 2002, South Dakota has reported 2,208 human cases, including 696 hospitalizations and 32 deaths. Every county has reported cases.

Visit the department’s website at westnile.sd.gov for more information about West Nile.


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