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4 Cases Of West Nile Virus Reported So Far This Year In SD

Associated Press0

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota health officials have confirmed four human cases of West Nile virus disease so far this year.

The state Department of Health says the cases have been reported in Brown, Butte and Spink counties. The ages of the ill individuals range from 20 to 59.

The virus is transmitted to humans and animals by the bite of an infected mosquito. The symptoms range from mild and flu-like to severe neurological issues.

State epidemiologist Lon Kightlinger says about 20 percent of people who have the virus get sick, and only 1 percent develops severe complications.

An individual trying to donate blood in Codington County tested positive for the virus when the fluid was screened. Kightlinger says officials will monitor whether the person becomes ill.

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