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PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — The state Department of Health says South Dakota's peak transmission for the West Nile virus has started and will last through the end of August.
State epidemiologist Lon Kightlinger says the state is seeing a higher number of mosquitoes than normal test positive for the virus. Kightlinger says the number of human cases so far is above the 10-year average.
The state had reported 19 human cases of the virus as of Thursday.
People can reduce their risk by using insect repellant, limiting time outdoors, covering up with long pants and shirts and getting rid of standing water where mosquitoes can breed.
Symptoms of West Nile include fever, headache, body aches and rash.
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