Man in Mesa County diagnosed with West Nile virus

“While there have been no human cases of West Nile virus reported so far this year, it is only a matter of time before we see the first case”, Dr. Smith said.

More than 180 South Dakota cities, counties and tribes will share in $490,371 in grants intended to control mosquitoes and prevent West Nile virus (WNV), according to the Department of Health. Fortunately, most people infected with West Nile virus don’t get sick, but about 1 in 5 people who are infected will develop a fever with other symptoms.

Last year, 12 human cases of West Nile virus were reported in Washington.

The number of West Nile virus human cases in Montana has been highly variable from year to year since it came to Montana in 2002.

Delaware County Council and the county Department of Intercommunity Health tells residents that they should take simple precautions they can take to ensure they reduce their risk of West Nile virus. Statewide, 118 people contracted the virus and four died. Eliminate all sources of standing water on your property, by emptying flower pots, old auto tires, and buckets. Most infected people don’t show any symptoms, and there is no way to know whether they will become ill.

Residents should wear as much clothing as possible, and to use an effective repellant of 25 to 30 percent of DEET on exposed skin. It’s the first case of West Nile confirmed in a person in 2015. Anyone with severe symptoms should contact a health care provider. Always follow label instructions carefully.

Along with actively treating local water, the district says there are things you can do to help prevent the spread of West Nile. Avoid mosquito bites by limiting outdoor activities during the times of high mosquito activity at dusk and dawn.

Boze said technicians treat the affected pools with a strain of soil bacteria that targets just mosquitoes but stays in the water a few days longer than other product for larvae.

· Make sure all windows and doors have screens, and that all screens are in good fix.