South Dakota Ranks 6th Nationally Among West Nile Cases

The nation is currently seeing its highest number of West Nile virus cases in several years. South Dakota ranks within the top six states reporting West Nile virus cases in the nation. There have been six human cases reported in Minnehaha County and none in Lincoln County to date. The majority of the activity in South

Dakota has occurred in the northeastern part of the state. Year to date, West Nile virus cases total 82 human cases and 1 death.

As a reminder, it is still peak transmission season for West Nile virus. The Sioux Falls Vector Control Division continues to actively seek out areas for treatment and will spray if necessary. We ask that you continue to take personal protective measures to complement our efforts in order to keep West Nile cases at bay.

Follow the four “Ds” of mosquito control:

• Dress in long-sleeved, light-colored clothing.
• Avoid being outside between dawn and dusk.
• Drain any standing water around your property.
• Use a mosquito repellant containing DEET when going outside.

For more information about West Nile virus, you can log on to the CDC website at or the City of Sioux Falls Vector Control web page.