WILLISTON, N.D. - Williams County has their first human case of West Nile for the season according to the North Dakota Department of Health. The Upper Missouri District Health Unit (UMDHU) is urging residents throughout our region to take proper measures to protect themselves from mosquito bites. The mosquito which causes West Nile (Culex tarsalis) has recently been identified in our area increasing the risk of infection.

“The identification of West Nile virus in a resident of Williams County is a reminder to us of the importance of protecting ourselves from the bites of mosquitoes,” Mike Melius, Executive Officer UMDHU said. “We are entering an important time frame right now where the mosquito biting you now could make you sick in the next couple of weeks. In 2007, West Nile illnesses peaked in mid-August which means those people were bitten by mosquitoes carrying West Nile at the end of July.”

To reduce the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes, the Upper Missouri District Health Unit recommends the following protective measures:

Use insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, IR 3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus or permethrin when outdoors. Always follow the directions on the manufacture’s label.

Limit outdoor activities between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most likely to bite. When possible, wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts while outside.

Eliminate stagnant water and leaf debris in containers around homes where mosquitoes can lay their eggs (e.g., buckets, flowerpots, old tires, wading pools and birdbaths).

Keep mosquitoes from entering your home by repairing screens in windows and doors.

Keep the grass around your home trimmed.

West Nile virus activity will be updated Wednesday mornings each week throughout the West Nile virus season on the Department of Health’s West Nile virus website at HYPERLINK "http://www.ndhealth.gov/wnv" \o "blocked:: http://www.ndhealth.gov/wnv" www.ndhealth.gov/wnv.

For more information, contact Daphne Clark, Upper Missouri District Health Unit, 701-774-6400.