South Dakota reports 2nd case of West Nile Virus

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — A second case of West Nile Virus (WNV) has been confirmed in the state this year, this time in Kingsbury County, according to a release Wednesday from the South Dakota Department of Health.

The first case of WNV was reported July 11 in Beadle County.

SD DOH predicts 73 cases in South Dakota for 2024, which is a moderate level.

As of July 23, there have been seven counties in South Dakota with positive mosquito pools: Beadle, Brookings, Brown, Davison, Hughes, Lincoln and Minnehaha.

WNV is most commonly spread by infected mosquitoes. 70-80% of people who become infected don’t develop any symptoms.

One in five people develop uncomfortable symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea or rash. Less than 1% will develop more serious illnesses that can be life-threatening.

What can you do to lessen the chance of being bit by mosquitoes:

As of July 23 there have been 45 confirmed cases of WNV in 16 states: AR, AZ, IN, KS, MD, MN , MS, NC , ND, NE, NV,OK,PA , SD, TN and TX.

For more information: WNV/SD DOH

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