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North Dakota reports 12 additional cases of West Nile virus in past week • North Dakota Monitor [1]
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Date: 2025-08
Twelve additional cases of West Nile virus were reported in North Dakota over the past week bringing the total human cases to 26 as of Thursday, according to the Department of Health and Human Services.
Of the 26 total cases, 11 people have been hospitalized and nine of those cases suffered nervous system complications, the department said in a news release.
The cases are spread across 13 counties: Cass, Burleigh, Divide, Hettinger, Kidder, McLean, Mercer, Morton, Pembina, Richland, Stark, Stutsman, Walsh and Williams counties.
Cass County reported 11 cases of West Nile, the most in the state, followed by Burleigh County with three. Other counties reported one case each.
“People should be aware of the increase in mosquitoes spreading West Nile virus and take proper precautions to protect themselves from bites,” said Amanda Bakken, epidemiologist and West Nile surveillance coordinator for the department, in a statement.
The department recommends North Dakotans:
Use insect repellent registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that contain ingredients such as DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, PMD, 2-undecanone, and permethrin (clothing only).
Wear protective clothing outdoors such as long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks.
Limit outdoor activities between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes that can carry West Nile virus are most likely to bite.
Eliminate stagnant water in containers around homes where mosquitoes can lay their eggs, such as: gutters, buckets, flowerpots, old tires, wading pools and birdbaths.
Install or repair screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out of residences.
Maintain a well-trimmed yard and landscaping.
The department said most people who contract West Nile virus do not show symptoms of the disease, but those who do report a fever, headache, body and joint aches or a rash.
People over 60 years old and those with underlying health conditions are more susceptible to serious symptoms associated with the disease, which include paralysis, coma and could lead to death.
“Peak West Nile virus activity historically has occurred in late August, but with earlier human cases and high mosquito populations, this is the time to be vigilant and safeguard against disease,” Bakken said.
In 2024, North Dakota reported 38 human cases of West Nile virus for the entire year, down from 58 cases in 2023.
For more information on West Nile virus, visit the HHS website.
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