NORTH DAKOTA ( KXNET ) — The North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has confirmed this season’s first human case of West Nile Virus.

The individual afflicted with the virus lives in Morton County and was hospitalized for treatment. There is a risk of contracting West Nile Virus at any time, but summer means that the mosquitos who carry it are more out and about.

Most people infected with West Nile virus experience no symptoms, but those who do often suffer from fevers headaches, body and joint aches, or rashes. In more severe cases, those afflicted with the disease can experience altered mental states, paralysis, stiff neck, coma, and even death. People over the age of 60 or who have underlying health issues are at an even greater risk of catching the virus.

Now that the virus has been sighted in ND, it’s more important than ever to take steps to defend against mosquito bites. Below are a few safety precautions anyone can take that are recommended by HHS.

• Maintain well-trimmed yards and landscapes around homes.
• Wear protective clothing (such as long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks) when outside.
• Limit outdoor activities between dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are more likely to be active.
• Install or repair screens on the windows and doors of your home.
• Eliminate still water in containers around your home (buckets, flowerpots, wading pools, old tires, birdbaths, etc.) where mosquitoes can lay their eggs.
• Use insect repellants registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that contain ingredients like DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, PMD, 2-undecanone, and permethrin (for clothing only). Always follow the directions on the manufacturer’s label for safe and effective use.

To learn more about West Nile virus and how you can avoid catching it, visit this page .

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