The South Dakota Department of Health reminds school leaders to promote the use of mosquito repellent at outdoor school activities this fall. Transmission of West Nile virus will be a threat until the first hard freeze, according to Secretary of Health Doneen Hollingsworth.

South Dakota is now in its sixth year of West Nile virus transmission. Since 2002, the disease has sickened more than 1,400 South Dakotans and taken the lives of 23. While the elderly and those with certain medical conditions are at highest risk, anyone can get the disease. South Dakota has reported cases in all age groups, including the young and healthy. The most effective way to prevent the spread of the disease is local mosquito control programs combined with personal protective measures such as using insect repellent containing DEET, Picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus.

“Encouraging your students and faculty to use mosquito repellent might seem like a small step. But when combined with the many other mosquito control and public education efforts underway, it provides a strong, consistent prevention message that can help reduce the risk of West Nile virus,” Hollingsworth said.

Many communities plan expanded mosquito control efforts for large events and mass gatherings. Consider checking with your local program about the possibility of control efforts targeted at outdoor school sporting events that draw large crowds.