South Dakota has recorded its first case of human West Nile virus of 2019.
The state Health Department said Monday the virus was detected in a Turner County resident between the age of 30 and 39.
State epidemiologist Joshua Clayton says South Dakotans need to protect themselves against the mosquito-borne virus, especially during evening outdoor activities such as Fourth of July fireworks shows.
Clayton says South Dakota historically has a disproportionately high number of West Nile virus case compared with other states.
Residents may reduce risk by applying mosquito repellent, wearing pants and long sleeves when outdoors and getting rid of standing water that gives mosquitoes a place to breed.
