Sioux Falls Health Program Coordinator Denise Patton says the West Nile virus has been detected for the first time this summer in Sioux Falls from test results.

"We've been testing for West Nile virus in what we call mosquito pools. We collect the samples and send them to our labs to be reviewed for the presence of  West Nile. There has been one confirmed in Minnehaha County."

Patton says she isn't surprised by the test results.

"We do expect it to be there. It's present probably in the spring as well....just not as in greater numbers. Mosquitoes haven't had time to breed as often. Yes, we expect to see West Nile in mosquitoes. West Nile is very real in South Dakota!"

Patton encourages residents to protect themselves from mosquitoes.

"Certainly wear some kind of insect repellent. Put something  on. Wear long sleeves if you can. I know that's not really appealing when the temperature is in the 90's. You also should restrict your time outside from dusk to midnight,  And this is especially important---reduce standing water in your yards."

Patton says the test pool was taken from Central Sioux Falls the second week in July.

 

 

 

 

 

 

More From KIKN-FM / Kickin' Country 99.1/100.5