Douglas County is reporting its first positive West Nile Virus sample of the season.
On Friday, the Douglas County Health Department announced that the positive sampling came from a mosquito pool at Seymour Smith Park, near 72nd and Harrison.
The Health Department says reported mosquito populations are lower than usual this year. They say until Friday's report, less than ten sampled pools in the state had tested positive for West Nile Virus. DCHD says last year also saw fewer than normal West Nile virus cases in Douglas County, with only seven confirmed cases in 2019 following 71 cases in 2018. DCHD has not received a report of a human case yet this year.
“This report is a reminder for everyone to follow our simple recommendations for protecting yourself from mosquito bites,” Health Director Dr. Adi Pour said. “This is a late start to what we anticipate will be a short West Nile season.”
To reduce your chances of mosquito bites:
- Following label instructions, apply a mosquito repellent containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
- 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’re outdoors.
To prevent mosquitoes from breeding near you:
- Remove standing water whenever possible.
- Empty buckets and pet dishes on a daily basis and bird baths on a weekly basis.
- Clear weeds and anything else that may block water from draining properly.
- Follow proper swimming pool maintenance procedures.
- Keep water moving in ponds or fountains.
The Health Department says most people who are infected by a mosquito have no symptoms or only mild flu-like symptoms. Fewer than one in 150 people who are bitten by an infected mosquito will have a serious illness. People more than 50 years old and those with weakened immune systems are especially vulnerable to the disease and are more likely to suffer serious consequences.
“The West Nile virus will be with us until the first hard frost,” Dr. Pour said. “Please protect yourself.”