The North Dakota Health Department is reporting a steep rise in the number of reported West Nile Virus cases over the past week.
"We're actually up to 18 human cases," said epidemiologist Jenny Galbraith. "That's a 14 case increase from the previous week."
Galbraith said three people have been hospitalized so far with the virus. She said the cases are spread across the state.
Galbraith said it’s a reminder that people should take the necessary precautions if outdoors, especially around dusk and dawn. Those precaustion include wearing long sleeved shirts, long pants and using repellant with DEET.
Galbraith said 30 pools the Health Department watches cross the state report the presence of culex trasalis mosquitoes, the variety that carries West Nile.