The Department of Health advises residents to be proactive in prevention of West Nile Virus following recent floods in southeastern South Dakota.
Officials warn that excess water from flooding creates ideal breeding grounds for mosquitos. Some species of mosquitos are known carries of West Nile Virus.
DOH officials said tipping over or discarding containers holding standing water is a good first step. They also recommend covering outdoor water storage containers, or using a fine wire mesh to prevent mosquitos from reaching the water. Septic tanks and open plumbing pipes can also breed mosquitos, so ensure gaps and cracks are repaired and covered.
Other ways to protect yourself from the virus include using mosquito repellant, avoiding the outdoors at dawn and dusk when mosquitos are most active, and to wear clothing that covers exposed skin.
