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N.D. (NewsDakota.com) Despite one of the lowest counts of mosquitoes across the state due to dry conditions the number of human cases of West Nile Virus is on the rise.
North Dakota West Nile coordinator Michelle Feist says the southeastern corner of the state seems to be receiving more reports for now.

Feist says 6 cases have been reported in Dickey County, 4 in Barnes and Cass Counties and 2 apiece in Stutsman and LaMoure Counties.

The virus is carried by mosquitoes and Feist reminds people to take precautionary measures to avoid getting bit by mosquitoes.  She says 36 confirmed cases had been reported to the Department of Health.

19 people have been hospitalized this year due to the virus. Only four cases of human West Nile were reported in North Dakota last year. The highest number of human cases was 617 in 2003. The Health Department is also reporting 12 cases of West Nile in horses, and two bird deaths due to the virus.