Another Nebraska resident has died after becoming ill with the West Nile Virus.
Officials with the Three Rivers Public Health Department, which covers Dodge, Washington and Saunders counties, say the person was over 65 years old, had been hospitalized and suffered from underlying health conditions.
So far, five cases of West Nile virus have been reported to Three Rivers since the beginning of August. That is an increase from one case reported in 2017 and four cases in 2016.
Three Rivers Public Health Director Terra Uhing is urging the public to be diligent in its protection from mosquitoes. “The West Nile Virus can cause serious illness. I urge individuals to take every possible precaution to protect against mosquito bites." Those at highest risk are people over the age of 50 or individuals with existing health problems.
Most people who are infected will have no symptoms or only mild flu-like symptoms. About one out of 150 people infected with West Nile virus will become severely ill.