South Dakota records 1st human West Nile virus case of 2019

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) – South Dakota has recorded its first case of human West Nile virus of 2019.

The state Health Department said Monday the virus was detected in a Turner County resident between the age of 30 and 39.

State epidemiologist Joshua Clayton says South Dakotans need to protect themselves against the mosquito-borne virus, especially during evening outdoor activities such as Fourth of July fireworks shows.

Clayton says South Dakota historically has a disproportionately high number of West Nile virus case compared with other states. He encouraged residents to reduce their risk by applying mosquito repellents to clothes and exposed skin, wearing pants and long sleeves when outdoors, limiting time outdoors from dusk to dawn when mosquitoes are most active, and getting rid of standing water that gives mosquitoes a place to breed.

AP-WF-07-02-19