S.D. reports first case of West Nile Virus as communities wage war on mosquitoes

Department of Health reports first known case of the year in Beadle County

Photo by Syed Ali on Unsplash

The first reported case of West Nile Virus in South Dakota this year has state health officials urging awareness and caution among communities and citizens.

The Department of Health (DOH) announced Thursday that a Beadle County resident over the age of 64 was the first in the state to test positive for the virus.

Spread primarily through mosquito bites, West Nile Virus (WNV) can be deadly, with initial symptoms that include headaches, joint aches, vomiting, diarrhea, or rashes. More severe symptoms can follow and ultimately lead to death.

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Since the first case was reported in South Dakota in 2002, there have been 53 deaths reported from WNV, among 2,843 total reported human cases. The affliction can be most dangerous for individuals over 50, pregnant women, organ transplant patients, individuals with cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure or kidney disease, and those with a history of alcohol abuse.

“West Nile virus is an infection most commonly spread through mosquito bites,” said Dr. Joshua Clayton, state epidemiologist. “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.”

Basic ways to limit exposure to mosquitos include wear insect repellant and limiting exposure to your arms and legs, especially during peak mosquito hours from dusk to midnight. Regularly changing standing water in places like birdbaths, outside pet dishes, and drain water from other plant containers can help prevent mosquitos from congregating as well.

Individuals with unusual or severe headaches are encouraged to see a doctor.

DOH’s announcement comes as mosquitos have been given a perfect breeding ground in South Dakota this summer, the result of warm temperatures and record rainfall throughout the state. In Sioux Falls, the city’s environmental manager told The Dakota Scout earlier this week that he had received thousands of complaints about the pest’s population in the area. That led the city to increase mosquito spray killing efforts.

Other communities throughout the state are feeling the bite too. In Brookings, which shares a county with where the state’s only confirmed mosquito pool with West Nile Virus is located, officials are conducting citywide “ground fogging” operations every Monday and Tuesday, according to The Brookings Register. The Department of Health’s West Nile Prevention Grant awarded half a million dollars this year to local governments for the purpose of aiding in mosquito suppression operations.

Still, Clayton says individual awareness is the most important way to prevent mosquito bites, and any ailments that could come with it.

“Given the rural nature of our state and increased outdoor activities during the summer, protecting against mosquito bites remains an important factor against West Nile infection,” he concluded.

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