South Dakota
South Dakota's mosquito war
SOUTH DAKOTA (SDNW)– A South Dakota county with the second-highest national rate of lethal West Nile virus in humans shares a border with a county that has never reported a single case.
Between 1999 and 2023, Dewey County recorded 13.74 neuroinvasive cases per 100,000 people, just behind King County in Texas, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Neuroinvasive refers to those more serious cases that can affect the brain and can be deadly.
Ziebach County, which borders the western boundary of Dewey County in north-central South Dakota, shows zero neuroinvasive West Nile virus cases, according to the CDC. The Cheyenne River Indian Reservation covers most of both counties.
“That’s wild,” Randolph Runs After, environmental health specialist at Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, said after learning about the Dewey County ranking. “We actually haven’t had that many cases in the last few years.”
The data aren’t wrong but needs explaining.
“The medical facility for both counties is in Eagle Butte, Dewey County, and they are the ones who report to the health department,” said Michael Claymore, director of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Prairie Management Program.
Population numbers also impact incidence rates, Tia Kafka, marketing and outreach director at the South Dakota Department of Health, said in an email. The fewer residents live in a county, the more impact a single West Nile virus cases will have, she said.
“Historically, Brown County has been the hotspot for West Nile virus activity in South Dakota, with the most cumulative West Nile virus cases reported,” Kafka said.
Brown County, whose county seat is Aberdeen, recorded more than 340 West Nile virus cases between 1999 and 2023, which ranks it 24th among other counties in the United States, the CDC said. Within South Dakota, Brown County is followed by Pennington County, with more than 220 West Nile virus cases during that time, and Minnehaha County, with almost 200 incidents.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services defines a high incidence rate as one that is greater than 1.1 per 100,000 people. Analysis of the CDC’s historic data within this framework showed that 61 out of 66 South Dakota counties – which amounts to 92% – have a high incidence of West Nile virus cases in humans.
When bitten by a West Nile virus-carrying mosquito, most people will not show any symptoms, said Erin Staples, M.D., medical epidemiologist with CDC’s Division of Vector-Borne Diseases. Some will develop West Nile fever, but even fewer will get a neuroinvasive West Nile virus disease, which affects the brain or the space around it. Non-neuroinvasive cases are generally less serious.
Virus reached SD in 2002, has been declining
Runs After remembers the first years of West Nile virus in South Dakota when “you could find dead birds here and there.”
The first reported case was in 2002 in a crow in Aberdeen, according to a Rapid City Journal story from July 2002.
West Nile virus first appeared in the United States in New York City in 1999 and reached the West Coast by 2004, Staples said. She added that a lot of people got infected at the time because “there was no immunity in anybody.”
Since 2002, the South Dakota Department of Health has recorded more than 2,800 human cases, 53 of which were fatal.
In 2003, Virgil Christensen, an 89-year-old man from Wakonda in Clay County, became the first South Dakotan to die from West Nile, according to the Vermillion Plain Talk.
Both South Dakota and the United States observed a peak in the number of West Nile cases that year. The state Department of Health recorded 1,039 occurrences.
This year, the South Dakota Department of Health has already recorded the first West Nile virus case of 2024.
The department’s West Nile Virus Surveillance tool shows that this non-neuroinvasive case of West Nile virus disease was found in a resident of Beadle County who is at least 64 years old.
The CDC’s surveillance tool shows that neighboring North Dakota and Nebraska have already recorded one and four cases, respectively.
Weather and human activity increase mosquito numbers
As of July 17, the South Dakota Department of Health predicted 48 West Nile virus cases for 2024 in the state.
Kafka said the state health department uses a model, updated weekly, that considers factors like historical human West Nile virus case data, environmental data, and current year mosquito pool testing data.
Historically, late July and August tend to accumulate the highest number of West Nile virus cases across the United States.
South Dakota experiences the same trend because of “several interrelated factors,” Kafka said.
Mosquitoes that can transmit West Nile virus reach their highest population numbers during the warm summer. In addition, heavy rains create puddles and stagnant bodies of water, which are favorable conditions for mosquitoes.
“Warmer temperatures not only support mosquito breeding but also accelerate the development of the virus within mosquitoes, enhancing the risk of transmission to humans,” Kafka said.
People also like to spend more time outdoors during the summer, camping, hiking, and participating in evening gatherings, which increases their chances of encounters with mosquitoes, she said.
Mosquitoes are ‘the main culprit’
Staples, of the CDC, said West Nile virus is usually transmitted through a mosquito bite.
When bitten by a West Nile virus-carrying mosquito, some people will not exhibit any symptoms at all, she said. One in 5 will develop a febrile illness, which may involve getting a fever, a rash, a headache, muscle pain or joint pain. This is also referred to as West Nile fever.
Some people will go on to develop a West Nile neuroinvasive disease. This can lead to encephalitis, which is inflammation of the brain, or meningitis, which is inflammation of the tissues around the brain and spinal cord, Staples said.
“Mosquitoes are often referred to as the deadliest animal in the world, as they cause more death and disease than any other animal on the planet,” Staples said.
Birds also contribute to the spread of West Nile virus. Once infected, they can develop enough virus to pass it on to a non-infected mosquito, which is why they are sometimes called “amplifying hosts,” she said.
Humans do not have the same capabilities, although they can spread the virus to one another through blood transfusion, Staples said.
Several vaccines have gone through the early stages of clinical development but are currently stuck at the part called efficacy trial, she said.
“You need to be able to say, ‘Where is there West Nile? I’m gonna start vaccinating people and look to make sure that the vaccine is very effective and can prevent infection,’ Staples said. “Unfortunately, we haven’t been able to necessarily predict where West Nile is going to occur. That’s really the sporadic and unpredictable nature of West Nile virus.”
CDC and state fund mosquito control
The South Dakota Department of Health received almost $1.5 million in 2023 for the department’s West Nile virus media campaign and laboratory testing of mosquito pools through the CDC’s Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity Program.
This year, the state Department of Health allocated $500,000 in grant funds to distribute among cities, counties and tribes for mosquito control in amounts ranging from $500 to $20,000. Kafka said that 166 applicants received money based on the population and history of human cases.
The Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Prairie Management Program received $9,325 as part of the grant.
Claymore said the Prairie Management Program tries to eradicate mosquitoes in several different ways. He said the team monitors traps and tests captured mosquitoes to see if any of them carry viruses.
The program also conducts larva sightings, which involve putting chemicals in standing water to kill mosquitoes before they get a chance to develop into adults.
Workers also spray the ground, fog the trees and disperse microscopic droplets of a chemical compound mixed with oil through aerial fogging.
Claymore said the program uses all of the Department of Health grant money to buy just enough chemicals to last a season.
“I tell people to just watch the news and see where the mosquitoes are at, and they are moving towards us,” Claymore said. “Now it’s really important to be more vigilant with your personal protection.”
Mosquitoes in Sioux Falls ‘as bad as ever’
The city of Sioux Falls, Aberdeen and Pennington County, received $20,000 each.
Dominic Miller, environmental health manager for the Sioux Falls Department of Health, said in an email the city’s mosquito control program was created the same year the city recorded its first West Nile virus case, 2003. Now that over 20 years have passed, the number of mosquitoes in 2024 is “as bad as (the city has) ever seen it,” he said.
The city of Sioux Falls is divided into 18 spraying zones, and each zone has at least one mosquito trap. Every morning during weekdays, the mosquito control team checks all traps to count and test captured mosquitoes.
This summer, one of the traps collected 6,300 mosquitoes overnight, Miller said.
The mosquito control team uses the number of trapped mosquitoes to determine what zones to spray and aims to eradicate all kinds of mosquitoes, not just those that may carry West Nile virus, he said.
Ways to prevent infection
Kafka said homeowners can minimize the risk of being bitten by installing or repairing window and door screens to keep mosquitoes outside of homes.
The state Department of Health also encourages people to reduce the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes and contracting West Nile virus by joining “the S.W.A.T. team:”
- Spray: When outdoors, apply mosquito repellents that contain compounds like DEET, picaridin, 2-undecanone, param-menthane-diol, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
- Water: Remove standing water from old tires, buckets and other containers that can give mosquitoes a place to breed; regularly change the water in bird baths and pet dishes, and stay away from areas near standing water.
- Arms: Wear pants and long-sleeved shirts to cover exposed skin.
- Time: Limit time outdoors at dawn and from dusk until midnight when mosquitoes are most active
Susan Hoover, M.D., an infectious disease physician at Sanford Health, said that since there is no treatment for West Nile virus, it’s paramount to take those precautions.
If a person is bitten and exhibits such symptoms as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, headache or body aches and suspects they may have West Nile virus infection, they should contact their health care provider, she said.
Editor’s note: If you cite the results of this poll, credit South Dakota News Watch and the Chiesman Center for Democracy, per copyright law and our republishing policy.
PIERRE, S.D. – With seven weeks until the June 2 primary, U.S. House Rep. Dusty Johnson is close to avoiding a runoff in the race to secure the GOP nomination for governor, according to a new poll sponsored by South Dakota News Watch and the Chiesman Center for Democracy at the University of South Dakota.
In the contests for U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate, state Attorney General Marty Jackley and U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds have solid leads over their challengers.
The scientific survey of 500 registered Republicans, conducted April 7-11 by Mason-Dixon Polling and Strategy, found Johnson leading the four-way contest for governor with 34% of likely GOP primary voters supporting his candidacy.
The other three candidates are effectively tied for second due to the margin of error being plus-or-minus 4.5%. State House Speaker Jon Hansen, of Dell Rapids, has 18% support from GOP voters, and Aberdeen businessman Toby Doeden and Gov. Larry Rhoden both have 17%. Roughly 14% of those surveyed were undecided.
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If no candidate receives at least 35% of the vote on the June 2 ballot, a runoff between the top two finishers will take place July 28. The winner of the contest will meet Democrat Dan Ahlers in the Nov. 3 general election.
Rhoden’s support drops; Hansen surges
While Johnson, who grew up in Pierre and lives in Mitchell, saw a 6-point increase from the News Watch/Chiesman poll conducted last October, Rhoden’s support fell 10 points.
Julia Hellwege, director of the Chiesman Center and USD associate professor in political science, said Rhoden’s association with his predecessor, former Gov. Kristi Noem, could be behind the drop in poll numbers.
“He has aligned himself closely with Noem. They worked closely together, and he continues to champion her and stand by her,” she said. “There’s a potential that has been a side effect.”
Rhoden served as lieutenant governor under Noem and became governor in January 2025 when President Donald Trump made her secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. He fired her last month after severe criticism.
Hellwege pointed out the poll found that Johnson even leads in West River, a stronghold for Rhoden, who is from Union Center east of Sturgis.
She said one candidate more than any other has been the main beneficiary of the declining support for the sitting governor.
“Anyone shifting from Rhoden is more likely to shift towards Hansen,” Hellwege said, noting that Hansen is a state lawmaker, like Rhoden was, who plays up his conservative Christian credentials.
Hellwege said in comparing the new poll results with those from last year, a certain pattern can be seen. That includes the surge in support for Hansen and Johnson, a decline in support for Rhoden, a stable level of support for Doeden and a lower number of undecided voters.
“My interpretation is many Rhoden voters in the last poll shifted to Hansen voters and the undecideds went to Johnson,” Hellwege said.
SD governor: Johnson in driver’s seat
Hellwege highlighted the extent to which the math favors Johnson.
“Even if all the undecided voters go to one of those second-place candidates, plus if you factor in the margin of error, they still would barely reach where Johnson is sitting right now,” Hellwege said.
Brad Coker, founder of Mason-Dixon Polling and Strategy, ranked as one of the least-biased and most-factual pollsters, also believes Johnson is in a comfortable position.
“Johnson is moving into the clear front-runner status,” he said.
“People know him. People like him, and that’s probably why he’s ahead right now. Whether he can hold on to that will depend on what the other campaigns – particularly Hansen’s – are able to do in the coming weeks,” Coker told News Watch, pointing to the poll results that found Johnson has a 47% favorability rating, the highest of any of the candidates.
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Coker said Hansen has the best chance to challenge Johnson not only because his candidacy has seen the biggest increase in support but also due to not many people knowing him – yet.
“Hansen’s name recognition is only 73%. He’s still got 27% of the voters who don’t know who he is, which I think gives him a much higher ceiling than Doeden and Rhoden,” Coker said. “That tells me Hansen is getting some traction.”
On the flip side, Doeden’s 35% unfavorable rating and high name recognition indicate his support has mostly peaked, Coker said.
“He has a higher negative rating than positive rating, which tells me he’s got a core group behind him, but his growth potential is far more limited, especially since he has 89% name recognition,” Coker said.
The poll was conducted after the four candidates met in the March 31 KELO-TV debate but before the April 13 SDPB and South Dakota News Watch forum.
US House: Jackley has comfortable lead
Since Johnson ran for governor, that opened up South Dakota’s only seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.
In that contest, Jackley – who is from Sturgis and previously served as U.S. attorney for the District of South Dakota – has a comfortable lead toward securing the GOP nomination.
According to the poll, he has 68% support from South Dakota Republican voters surveyed, well ahead of challenger James Bialota Jr., who has 12%, with 20% of respondents undecided.
“This primary is definitely in Jackley’s favor, even if all the undecideds move to Bialota,” Hellwege said.
The winner will face Democrat Nicole “Nikki” Gronli in the November general election.
US Senate: Incumbent Rounds ahead by large margin
Rounds – who’s from Pierre and was South Dakota’s governor from 2003 to 2011 – also enjoys a sizable lead over his challenger.
He received 66% support from GOP voters surveyed, compared to 18% for challenger Justin McNeal, with 16% of respondents undecided.
“The fact that McNeal, who is vastly outspent by Rounds, is able to get up to 18% is commendable. But at the same time, I don’t think there’s any expectation that Rounds will not be able to hold on to that seat,” Hellwege said.
The winner will take on Democrat Julian Beaudion in November.
Favorability poll results for all governor, House and Senate candidates
The News Watch/Chiesman poll also asked Republicans their opinions of the candidates. To see results for each person, click the arrow below and the tab for each section: overall, by gender, age and region where they’re from.
Coming Tuesday
Tuesday’s story will focus on South Dakota News Watch/Chiesman Center for Democracy poll results on the job performance rating South Dakotans give Gov. Larry Rhoden, Sen. John Thune and other elected officials. The story also includes voter thoughts on Noem’s time as DHS secretary and President Trump’s decision to fire her.
South Dakota News Watch is an independent nonprofit. Read, donate and subscribe for free at sdnewswatch.org. Contact politics and statehouse reporter Alexander Rifaat: 605-736-4396/alexander.rifaat@sdnewswatch.org.
South Dakota
FCS Football Recruiting Roundup: South Dakota, Montana State Target 2027 Defensive Standouts
Welcome to another edition of the FCS Football Central Recruiting Roundup.
As spring practice winds down, recruits are still continuing to get on campus to visit schools and meet with their coaching staff. I caught up with some of the latest prospects who received an offer from an FCS program after their visit.
Amarie King | 2027 | DB | 5’7″ 140 lbs | Case High School | Racine, WI
King received his latest offer from South Dakota on April 17 after speaking with defensive coordinator Billy Kirch.
“Coach Kirch told me bout the offer, and that conversation went well. He told me a lot about the school, and asked me what my family and parents do. He said that my film was amazing and that he wanted to offer me,” King said.
“My recruitment is going well, although it is a little stressful here and there, but I am really just being patient and trusting the process, and keep working.”
He has visits to South Dakota and Drake coming up. Last season, he finished with 44 tackles, eight pass breakups, and six interceptions for the Eagles.
After a great conversation with coach kirch I’m blessed to I’ve received my first division 1 offer from @SDCoyotesFB @AntonGraham_ @MJ_NFLDraft @CoachBKirch @joshmanchigiah pic.twitter.com/jaxIYac67A
— Amarie King (@Amarieking27) April 17, 2026
Jayden Harris | 2027 | ATH | 6’2″ 170 lbs | Manteca High School | Manteca, CA
Harris picked up his latest offer from Montana State on Friday when he was in Bozeman for the Bobcats’ Junior Day, and meeting with cornerbacks coach Jordan Lee, defensive coordinator Bobby Daly, and head coach Brent Vigen.
“First, it was Coach Lee, then I had meetings with Coach Daly and Coach Vigen, who broke the news while we were talking. They want me to come in and play early. They like my versatility as a defensive back, and that’s why they offered me,” Harris said.
“The visit was cool! The snow was coming down, and the coaches still showed love. Recruiting is going well right now. Most schools that are in touch with me see something in me for sure, especially since I’m a zero-star athlete, so that’s love. I feel like I’m the best DB in California, and my measurements and production speak for themselves.”
He also has offers from Idaho, Washington State, and Sacramento State. He has upcoming visits to Arizona State and New Mexico.
Last season, he finished with 63 tackles, 11 pass breakups, nine interceptions, six tackles for loss, two sacks, two forced fumbles, and two pick-sixes for the Buffaloes.
Blessed to receive an offer from Montana State University 🐾 @ballcoachLee @CoachBobbyDaly @CoachSauve @CoachSmith59 @bvigen @BrandonHuffman @Rivals_Recruits @GregBiggins pic.twitter.com/ofYdjJKcmK
— Jay Harris (@JaydenOHarris) April 18, 2026
Maurice “MJ” Harrell | 2026 | DB | 6’1″ 170 lbs | Hutchinson CC | Hutchinson, KS
Harrell picked up his first Division I offer from Houston Christian on April 17 after he spoke with cornerbacks coach DeMarcus Coleman.
“Coach Coleman called and told me he liked what we saw from the videos I sent him, and that he wanted me to be a part of his program,” Harrell said.
Last season, he finished with 20 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, one sack, and a fumble recovery for the Blue Dragons. Mercyhurst, Division II UTPB, and Missouri Southern are some other schools he has been in contact with.
Blessed To Receive my first d1 offer from Houstan Christian University pic.twitter.com/OBD9ITQZHS
— MauriceHarrell (@M_Harrell19) April 18, 2026
Jadhari Young | 2026 | WR | 6’1″ 200 lbs | De Anza College | Cupertino, CA
Young received his latest offer from Eastern Illinois on April 15 after speaking with wide receivers coach Tino Smith.
“Coach Smith called me, and we had a long and great conversation. He told me he believes in me and that he thinks I can be great under his coaching,” Young said. “My recruitment has been going great since I graduated two weeks ago. A lot of coaches have expressed a lot of interest in me.”
Young also has offers from Sacramento State, Prairie View A&M, and Chicago State. Last season, he hauled in receptions for 559 yards and seven touchdowns for the Mountain Lions. He was named a Golden Coast Conference First Team selection.
He will be taking his official visit to Eastern Illinois on April 24. Gardner-Webb, West Florida, Monmouth, Stony Brook, and UMass are some other schools he is hearing from.
Blessed to receive my 5th D1 offer from Eastern Illinois University — Dhari Young “DEBO” (@dharigogetit) April 15, 2026
Thank you Coach @coachtinosmith for believing in me💯 pic.twitter.com/yMZjnsfRvK
AJ Moore | 2027 | RB | 5’9″ 200 lbs | College of Dupage | Glen Ellyn, IL
Moore received his first Division I offer from Lindenwood on April 17 after speaking with running backs coach Lane Lawson.
“Coach Lawson called and offered me. He just told me he’d be really excited to have me over and thinks I could be a part of something special with the program they got going over there,” Moore said.
Last season, he finished with 81 carries for 518 yards and five touchdowns, while adding nine receptions for 73 yards and two touchdowns for the Chaparrals, who won their fifth consecutive NJCAA Division III national championship. Moore is working on scheduling his official visit to Lindenwood.
#AGTG After a great conversation with @CoachLawsonLU I am blessed to have my first division 1 offer from Lindenwood University @LindenwoodFB @Dupage_Football @JUCOFFrenzy @AllenTrieu @JordanWesty1 pic.twitter.com/DGLjZC4gIA
— AJ Moore (@ajmoore6_) April 17, 2026
Leshem Nyante | 2027 | OT | 6’5″ 265 lbs | Anna High School | Anna, TX
Nyante picked up his latest offer from Texas Rio Grande Valley on April 17 after he spoke with offensive line coach Jeff Bowen.
“Coach Bowen reached out this morning to officially extend the offer. It was a great talk, and he mentioned they really liked my film and how I would fit their system. So we are focused on building that relationship now,” Nyante said.
“I’m really grateful for how my recruiting process is unfolding so far. Things are definitely moving fast with spring ball right around the corner, and it’s been great seeing the increase in interest every week.”
He also has offers from Arkansas State, Division II Midwestern State, and East Central University. Old Dominion, Texas State, UTEP, and New Mexico are some other schools he is hearing from. Nyante will be taking an official visit to Arkansas State in June.
#AGTG After a great conversation with @CoachJeffBowen , I am blessed to receive a D1 offer from @UTRGVFootball !!@8_parr @Coach_Rigg @tylerdedwards33 @Sevier5 @jessedstew @AnnaCoyotesFB @CoachTBush @Perroni247 @SWiltfong_ @CKennedy247 pic.twitter.com/6o9H13baAb
— Leshem (Shem) Nyantee (@leshemnyantee10) April 17, 2026
Matthew Lashley | 2027 | DB | 6’1″ 198 lbs | Riverside City College | Riverside, CA
Lashley received his latest offer from East Texas A&M on April 15 after speaking with safeties coach Luke Jaicks.
“Coach Jaicks called and offered me. He’s a great coach, and I would love to play for him,” Lashley said. “My recruitment is going well; it’s starting to heat up after spring ball.”
He also has an offer from Southern Utah. Last season, he finished with 14 tackles and two interceptions for the Tigers.
Blessed to receive another D1 offer to @Lions_FB! @JacksonSimon25 @nilsonsports pic.twitter.com/X4iLU8VRID
— Matthew Lashley (@MatthewLashley_) April 15, 2026
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