SOUTH DAKOTA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 24, 2007
CONTACT: Doneen Hollingsworth, (605) 773-3361
Hand County resident first West Nile death in South Dakota
PIERRE, S.D. - The Department of Health today reported a Hand County resident has died of West Nile virus (WNV) encephalitis, the state's first WNV related death this season. The individual was in the 80 to 89 year old age group.
Nineteen of South Dakota's 66 counties have now had WNV detections. A total of 21 human cases have been reported to date.
"Personal protection is important for all of us because anyone can get West Nile disease. However, people with diabetes and hypertension are more likely to become seriously ill. People who have ever received an organ transplant may have significantly higher risks of developing serious outcomes of WNV disease, including meningitis, encephalitis or possibly death," said Dr. Lon Kightlinger. “It’s also important that communities intensify their mosquito control measures, particularly when they host outdoor public events.”
The department recommends the following precautions to prevent mosquito bites and reduce the risk of WNV:
- Use mosquito repellents containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus, and cover as much skin as possible with loose-fitting clothing.
- Limit time outdoors at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
- Eliminate standing water that gives mosquitoes a place to breed.
- Support local mosquito control efforts.
Elderly persons, pregnant women, diabetics, transplant patients, individuals with high blood pressure, and those with a history of alcohol abuse should be especially mindful to take precautions. People with a severe or unusual headache should see their physician.