The First Case of West Nile Virus Reported in Bismarck

This year, it seems the mosquitoes were worse than ever! It seems like we say that every year. With the pests comes the threat of West Nile virus as the first case was reported on July 14.

The North Dakota Department of Health has confirmed the first human case of West Nile virus in 2015 in North Dakota. Additionally, a couple of pools of water in Grand Forks have tested positive for the virus. The patient lives in McLean County near Lake Sakakawea.

Some symptoms of the virus include-

• Fever
• Rash
• Fatigue
• Back Pain
• Headache

According to the Mayo Clinic, serious infections symptoms include

In less than 1 percent of infected people, the virus causes a serious neurological infection. Such infection may include inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) or of both the brain and surrounding membranes (meningoencephalitis).

To avoid contracting the virus, people are encouraged to protect yourself from mosquito bites especially in the early morning and late evening hours when the pests are active.

(source 1, source 2)