How Wet Weather Is Fueling Mosquito Activity In South Dakota

Well, this news bites! West Nile cases have spiked in South Dakota this summer.

Dakota News Now reports the state is currently experiencing its highest number of West Nile cases in seven years, with 26 confirmed human cases and two deaths so far this summer, according to data from Public Health officials. The uptick is being blamed on unusually wet weather, which has created ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes.

The buzz is nasty in counties like Minnehaha, Brown, and Brookings...

Those three counties are reporting especially high mosquito activity, with active mosquito pools popping up in alarming numbers. In fact, South Dakota has experienced its highest number of West Nile cases since 2018.

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“Most mosquito activity happens early in the morning or right before sunset,” according to Dr. Emad Abu Sitta, an infectious disease specialist at Sanford Health. Abu Sitta told Dakota News Now, “If you must be out during those times, wear long sleeves and pants to reduce your risk.”

The CDC reports over 300 cases of West Nile virus nationwide this summer, with South Dakota among the hardest hit. Nearby states are also feeling the sting. Minnesota, the Land of 10,000 mosquito pools, has logged 20 cases and two deaths, while Iowa just reported its first case of the year about two weeks ago.

Bottom line, if you're heading outside this Labor Day weekend, it's probably a good idea to bring along bug spray that contains DEET, and consider not wearing shorts at dawn and after dusk.

Source: Dakota News Now

10 Things You Should Never Do in South Dakota

Go anywhere in the U.S. and you'll find traditions and customs that only exist in that part of the country. South Dakota is no different, and there are definitely some "do's and don'ts" when it comes to living here.

Be careful trying any of these things in the Mount Rushmore State.