BISMARCK – North Dakota Health and Human Services has confirmed the first human case of West Nile virus disease this season. The individual lives in Morton County and was hospitalized.

HHS recommends North Dakotans take precautions to avoid mosquito bites, including using 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). Always follow the directions on the manufacturer’s label for safe and effective use.

People also should wear protective clothing outdoors such as long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks and limit outdoor activities between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes that can carry the West Nile Virus are most likely to bite. Eliminate still water in containers around homes where mosquitoes can lay their eggs and install or repair screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out of residences.