Summer means warm weather, cookouts and, unfortunately, mosquitoes and with mosquitoes comes the risk of West Nile virus.
The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services says a mosquito pool in Lancaster County has tested positive for West Nile virus, but no human cases have been reported. DHHS started its West Nile virus monitoring at the beginning of June.
The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department and Department of Health and Human Services are tracking the virus and encourage citizens to take preventive measures.
West Nile virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of a mosquito with the DHHS and LLCHD suggesting these preventive measures for people to protect themselves:
- Wear long-sleeved shirts, socks, and long pants to prevent mosquito bites.
- Use repellents containing DEET, picaridin, and/or IR3535. In addition, some lemon eucalyptus and para-menthane-diol products provide longer-lasting protection.
- Limit outdoor activity around dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.
- Drain standing water around your home. Standing water and warmth breed mosquitoes.
There are no vaccines to prevent or medications to treat West Nile virus.
Most people who are infected will have no symptoms or only mild flu-like symptoms. About one in five people who are infected develop a fever and other symptoms. About 1 out of 150 infected people develop a serious, sometimes fatal, illness.
Last year there were 68 human cases in Nebraska and two deaths.
DHHS and LLCHD encourage residents to report dead birds to the agencies, so the birds can be tested. If you find a dead bird, visit the DHHS website to find the number you should call in your county. Reporting birds helps DHHS monitor West Nile virus.