DOH reports spike in West Nile cases

The South Dakota Department of Health reports the state has seen its largest number of West Nile cases since 2018. According to the DOH, West Nile cases have spiked to 26 human cases with two deaths this year. The DOH chalks up the high West Nile numbers to the state experiencing a wet summer. Brown County is one of the many counties across the state which have reported mosquito pools positive for the West Nile virus. Health officials encourage residents to take basic precautions to protect themselves from mosquitoes, especially with the Labor Day holiday coming up. Those steps include removing standing water from their property, wearing insect repellent, limiting outdoor activity in the morning and at dusk and wearing clothing that covers their body.