MINNESOTA, NORTH & SOUTH DAKOTA – There is a rising concern for West Nile Virus in the region.
Two people have died in Minnesota this year and there have been 20 human cases confirmed statewide. The state’s Department of Health warns the highest risk areas are rural parts of western and central Minnesota.
There have been 52 confirmed human cases of West Nile confirmed in North Dakota. Cass County has the most in the state with 14. Health officials say no one has died from the virus yet in North Dakota.
Smaller pools of mosquitoes, birds and pets have also tested positive in Cass, McKenzie, Williams, Rolette and Burleigh counties.
South Dakota health officials say West Nile cases have hit the highest levels in the state since 2018 with 34. Minnehaha County has the most with four.
Positive mosquito pools have been found in Minnehaha, Brown and Brookings counties.
Health officials say less than one percent of people who are infected with West Nile develop inflammation of the brain or nearby tissues. Symptoms usually show up within one to two weeks and there is no treatment other than supportive care.
To protect from mosquito bites:
- Use bug spray that is registered by the Environmental Protection Agency and have up to 30 percent DEET.
- Wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants.
- Be extra cautious or avoid being outdoors at dusk and dawn, the peak feeding time for many mosquitoes
- Keep mosquitoes out of your home by maintaining screens on windows and doors.
- Remove any standing water in your yard
