The Douglas County Health Department announces the first human case of West Nile Virus in 2019. The victim was a man over 50 years of age and he was not hospitalized.
Health officials say there have been high populations of mosquitoes and multiple sample groups of infected mosquitoes have been found at a monitoring site at Zorinsky Lake ParK and Seymour Smith Park. Late summer and early fall are typically when West Nile virus begins to increase.
Health officials recommend you protect yourself against bites:
Apply a mosquito repellent containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Be sure to follow label instructions.
Minimize your activities outdoors at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
Wear loose, long-sleeved shirts, plus pants, shoes and socks when you are outdoors.
To prevent mosquitoes from increasing where you live:
Remove all standing water near your home,
Empty buckets and pet dishes daily and bird baths on a weekly basis.
Clear weeds and anything else that may obstruct water from draining properly.
Follow proper swimming pool maintenance procedures and keep water moving in ponds or fountains.
Most people who are infected with West Nile Virus have no symptoms or only mild symptoms such as a fever, headache, or a rash. Less than one in 150 people will have a serious illness. People 50 years of age and older, and others with weakened immune systems, are especially vulnerable to the disease and are more likely to suffer serious consequences.