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N.D. (AP) – The North Dakota Department of Health has reported the state’s first 2013 West Nile virus death.

West Nile virus program manager Michelle Feist says the woman was older than 60 years old and lived in the southeastern part of the state. She did not have any underlying health conditions. Feist says the state has seen 16 human cases so far this year.

Feist says the death should serve as a reminder of the seriousness of West Nile virus, especially to those older than 50 and those with other medical conditions. She says that North Dakotans should continue to take steps to protect themselves from mosquito bites to prevent the virus. Feist says wear long clothing at dusk & dawn and us insect repellant with DEET,