Four of the state’s reported 19 cases of West Nile have been reported in Burleigh County. No deaths from West Nile have been reported in North Dakota this year. Last year, only four cases of West Nile were reported in all of North Dakota.

The number of mosquitoes is significantly less than last year. Bismarck vector control has trapped just 1,016 mosquitoes so far this year. Only 36 of those mosquitoes are Culex Tarsalis, the mosquito that carries West Nile. That compares to 11,520 mosquitoes trapped at this time in 2011. 1,706 of those were Culex Tarsalis.

“West Nile virus is a serious disease, and we can’t afford to be complacent. It’s important that people take steps to reduce their risk of contracting the virus,” says Paula Flanders, Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health Director.

Larvicide briquettes available to residents. One briquet treats 100 square feet of shallow water with no current and lasts up to 150 days.

Residents can purchase the briquets for $3 each at the Burleigh County Extension Office (3715 East Bismarck Expressway)
Monday - Friday, between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm.

There are other things you can do to protect yourself from West Nile virus. Here are some tips:
- Wear light-colored, long pants and long-sleeved shirts.
- Stay indoors during the evening and early morning hours when mosquitoes are most active.
- Use an insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus or permethrin. Always follow directions on the label.
- Keep grass and shrubbery cut short.
- Empty water from buckets, birdbaths, wading pools, troughs and potted-plant trays every four to five days.