CDC photo of the culex tarsalis mosquito, carrier of West Nile virus
PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota has recorded its first case of human West Nile virus of 2020.
The state Health Department said Friday the virus was detected in a McCook County resident.
State epidemiologist Joshua Clayton says South Dakotans need to protect themselves against the mosquito-borne virus, especially during evening outdoor activities. Clayton says South Dakota historically has a disproportionately high number of West Nile virus case compared with other states.
South Dakota’s first human case was reported in 2001. Since then, the state has reported 2,613 human cases and 46 deaths.
July 27, 2020
