BISMARCK, N.D. (KFGO-NDHHS) – North Dakota Health and Human Services is reminding people that preventing mosquito bites is the most effective way to avoid the West Nile virus.
No human cases of the virus have been reported this year, but there is still a risk of getting the disease anytime mosquitoes are active.
“People get West Nile virus from the bite of an infected mosquito,” said Amanda Bakken, West Nile surveillance coordinator. “There is no human vaccine for West Nile virus, and there are no specific treatments for the disease, so it is important to protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites.”
Health and Human Services is recommending to use mosquito spray, , limit outdoor activities at night, wear protective clothing outdoors, install or repair window screens to keep mosquitoes out of homes, eliminate standing water in containers around homes where mosquitoes can lay their eggs, such as gutters, buckets, flower pots, old tires, wading pools, and bird baths.
Last year 86 North Dakota residents were diagnosed with the disease. 36 were hospitalized and two died.
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