West Nile virus cases found in 28 counties of the MN

The unidentified man, who died in his 60s, resided in the northwestern part of the state and could have underlying health problems contributing to an increased risk of severe illness associated with the Nile virus. Western.

According to Jenny Galbraith, epidemiologist for West Nile virus surveillance in the Department of Public Health, the majority of people infected with West Nile virus will have no symptoms.

"Most people will not show any symptoms, but some will have mild symptoms such as fever and headaches," said Galbraith. "We only see death in the rarest cases."

To date, 148 cases of West Nile virus have been reported in 28 different counties in North Dakota, with 45 hospitalized.

"People over 60, or those with underlying health problems, are at greatest risk of developing a serious illness due to West Nile infection." The death of the individual reminds you how dangerous West Nile virus can be. " "The mosquitoes that carry West Nile to North Dakota are generally active between dusk and dawn, so limiting outside during this period is preferable." Wearing long pants and shirts

Safeguarding measures should continue to be taken until the first hard gel eliminates the remaining mosquitoes, Galbraith said.

"Avoid (to) drink water, keep your lawn around your house trimmed and make sure your screens are well undamaged on your doors and windows are good steps of initiative to avoid contact with mosquitoes and, ultimately, the potential of West Nile "says Galbraith.

According to the state health department, health professionals are ready to take care of patients with the virus.

The CDC issued a statement earlier this month confirming that 45 states and the District of Columbia have reported the virus in humans, birds or mosquitoes this year.

According to epidemiologists, the virus spreads to the nervous system in about one in every 150 cases, making it a relatively rare and life-threatening disease.

According to the CDC, West Nile fever is often not diagnosed. Patients rarely see a doctor unless it becomes serious and doctors often treat the condition as a cold without testing for West Nile.

People with symptoms of West Nile virus should immediately consult a health care provider and inform their doctor of any recent contact with mosquitoes.

According to the state health department, recommendations to avoid West Nile include:

• Use of a repellent, such as DEET, picaridine, IR3535, lemon eucalyptus oil (or PMD) or permethrin. Apply according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Wear protective clothing, including a long-sleeved shirt and pants.
• Limit outdoor activities between twilight and dawn when mosquitoes are most likely to bite.
• Eliminate stagnant water in containers around houses, such as buckets, flower pots, old tires, wading pools and bird baths, where mosquitoes can lay eggs.
• Keep the grass around your house trimmed.

For more information about West Nile virus in North Dakota, visit www.ndhealth.gov/wnv/ or contact your health care provider.