ND has first case of West Nile Virus for 2011

The North Dakota Department of Health today announced the state’s first human case of West Nile virus infection for 2011, according to West Nile Virus Program Manager Michelle Feist.

The patient is a male age 10 to 19 who resides in Towner County. The patient was not hospitalized.

“The identification of West Nile virus in a person is a reminder of the importance of taking precautions to protect ourselves from the bites of mosquitoes,” Feist said. “This is the time of year when peak West Nile virus transmission occurs. The number of Culex tarsalis mosquitoes, the mosquito that spreads West Nile virus, from state surveillance traps is increasing and this puts people at increased risk for West Nile virus infection.”

In 2010, nine human cases of West Nile virus were reported to the Department of Health. Peak illness onset occurred during the week ending Aug. 21, 2010. In addition, West Nile infection was identified in two horses, one dog and one reindeer.

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