North Dakota reports first case of West Nile virus in 2026

North Dakota has confirmed its first human case of West Nile virus this year, with health officials advising people to protect themselves from mosquitoes. 

The North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services says a Cass County resident was hospitalized after contracting the mosquito-borne virus. 

Five North Dakota counties have reported mosquito pools positive for West Nile virus: Cass, Grand Forks, Richland, Ward and Williams. Also, an animal in Sioux County and a bird in Richland County have tested positive for the virus.

Most people infected with West Nile virus experience no symptoms, according to the agency. Those who develop symptoms will commonly report fever, headache, body or joint aches, or rash. People who develop severe illness may experience stiff neck, altered mental status, paralysis, coma, or possibly death. 

People over 60 or those with underlying health issues are most at risk for getting ill from the virus. 

Health and Human Services recommends using an insect repellant, eliminating areas of stagnant water where mosquitoes breed and wearing protective clothing between dusk and dawn. 

Last year, 86 people in North Dakota were infected with West Nile, leading to 36 hospitalizations and two deaths, according to the agency’s annual report.