The South Dakota Department of Health confirmed 2023’s first human case of the West Nile Virus in a Sanborn County resident.
As of June 23, the resident’s case is not neuroinvasive.
State officials released a statement Friday urging residents and travelers to know and recognize West Nile symptoms like confusion, severe headaches and muscle weakness or stiffening. The statement also recommends using mosquito repellent, avoiding standing water and minimizing time spent outdoors between dusk and midnight.
Approximately 200 communities across the state will receive reimbursement grants dedicated to funding mosquito control and WNV prevention according to state epidemiologist Joshua Clayton.
“West Nile Virus is an infection most commonly spread through mosquito bites,” said Clayton. “The rate of severe infection that includes swelling of the brain and spinal cord with symptoms of stiff neck, confusion, and muscle weakness is highest in South Dakota and other Midwest states. Raising awareness of human cases can ensure residents and visitors alike take action to reduce their risk.”
Individuals are at a higher risk if they are over 50, have a history of alcohol abuse, have cancer, diabetes, kidney disease or high blood pressure, or are pregnant. South Dakota has confirmed over 2,750 human cases and 49 deaths of WNV since 2002.
