SOUTH DAKOTA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
FOR RELEASE: August 6, 2002
CONTACT: Dr. Lon Kightlinger, 773-3737

     PIERRE – A crow collected in Roberts County and blue jays from Moody and Brookings Counties have tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV), bringing the number of South Dakota counties with WNV detections to 12. All three birds were tested at the State Public Health Laboratory in Pierre. 

     These are the first detections reported in Roberts and Moody Counties. The first detection in Brookings County was reported last week when a sampling of mosquitoes tested positive. South Dakota's first detection of WNV was reported July 26 in Brown County. The virus has also been detected in Butte, Charles Mix, Douglas, Kingsbury, Marshall, Miner, Minnehaha, and Walworth Counties. To date in South Dakota, WNV has been detected in 6 birds, 7 horses and a sampling of mosquitoes.

     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/.