SOUTH DAKOTA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
FOR RELEASE: August 2, 2002
CONTACT: Dr. Lon Kightlinger, 773-3737

West Nile Virus detected in Miner, Walworth Counties

     PIERRE – A blue jay collected near Howard in Miner County and a horse near Selby in Walworth County bring the number of West Nile Virus detections in South Dakota to nine. The bird was collected July 28 by a Game, Fish and Parks conservation officer and tested at the State Public Health Laboratory in Pierre. The horse sample was collected July 30 and tested at the Animal Diseases Research and Diagnostic Laboratory in Brookings.

     The first detection of WNV in the state was reported late last week in a crow found in Brown County. The virus has also been detected in a sampling of mosquitoes from Brookings County, a crow from Minnehaha County and in horses in Marshall, Kingsbury, Douglas and Charles Mix Counties.

     West Nile is primarily a bird disease, and crows are especially susceptible. Mosquitoes become infected by feeding on an infected bird and can pass the virus to humans, horses or other hosts when they bite. Dr. Lon Kightlinger, State Epidemiologist for the Department of Health, said most people who become infected do not become ill. Some may develop mild flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, and occasionally swollen lymph glands or a rash. In rare cases West Nile may cause encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain. Individuals with severe or unusual headaches should seek medical care as soon as possible.

     Dr. Kightlinger emphasized that the risk of West Nile is low but encouraged people to take precautions to protect against mosquito bites: 

• Get rid of old tires and other containers where water can accumulate and serve as a breeding ground for mosquitoes. 
• Avoid outdoor activities at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active. 
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when in mosquito infested areas. 
• Use mosquito repellents containing DEET, making sure to follow the directions on the container. 
• Use bug lights and screen doors and windows.

     Horse vaccination is recommended. Horse owners should see their veterinarians. Samples from horses suspected of infection with West Nile can be tested at SDSU's Animal Disease Research and Diagnostic Laboratory. 

     More information about West Nile can be found on the department's web site at www.state.sd.us/doh/WestNile/.