Authorities say first West Nile case discovered in South Dakota
The
Associated Press
SIOUX FALLS,
S.D. (July 28, 2002 10:27 a.m. EDT) - A dead crow was found
infected with the West Nile virus in South Dakota, the farthest
west the disease has been detected, officials said Friday.
The bird was found Monday in Aberdeen in northeastern South
Dakota, said Dr. Lon Kightlinger, state epidemiologist. The
virus has now been detected in 32 states and the District of
Columbia.
The virus is transmitted by mosquitos. Since its detection in
New York City in 1999, more than 150 people have been infected
with the virus and 18 have died nationwide, according to the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The virus has spread south and west over the past three years.
Authorities advise people to use mosquito repellent and wear
long-sleeved clothes