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South Dakota man dies of West Nile-related causes

A second South Dakota resident has died of causes related to the West Nile virus this season.

State epidemiologist Lon Kightlinger tells the Capital Journal the Butte County resident died earlier this month. He says the person was in the 70s age group.

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The mosquito-borne virus was first confirmed in South Dakota in 2002. Since then, the state has reported over 2,200 human cases, including more than 30 deaths.

The first West Nile virus-related death this season was reported in late August. The person was in the 80s age group and lived in Yankton County.

Kightlinger says the state this season has seen 127 reported human cases of West Nile virus.

Symptoms of West Nile include fever, headache, body aches and rash.