First human West Nile Virus case confirmed

The state Department of Health confirmed the first human West Nile virus case of the 2021 season on Friday.  The case is reported in a Walworth County resident – a male in his 60’s.  State Epidemiologist Dr. Joshua Clayton said that people need to protect themselves from mosquito bites, especially during evening hours.  People should also use mosquito repellent, wear pants and long sleeves in the evening, and limit time outdoors when mosquitoes are most active.  Clayton urges people to also remove standing water that gives mosquitoes a place to breed.  

The state reported a couple of West Nile virus mosquito pools in Brookings and Codington counties last week.