August is peak season for West Nile virus in South Dakota. So far this year, State Epidemiologist, Dr. Lon Kightlinger says the state is already seeing higher than average numbers of the mosquito-borne disease in people.
High-altitude counties in western South Dakota aren’t affected as much as the eastern part of the state. Brown County has seen the most cases, with four so far this year. It generally sees more cases than any other county.
On a state-wide level Kightlinger says hot weather is to blame for the rise.
The Department of Health is urging people to take precautions against the disease. They recommend using insect repellant, getting rid of standing water, and to avoid outdoors from dusk to midnight, when West Nile-carrying mosquitos are most active.
Symptoms include headache, joint aches, rash and vomiting.
