The county health department reports the first human case of West Nile Virus for 2020 has been confirmed.
It's a woman in her 20s, who did not travel, was hospitalized with West Nile meningitis, the more severe form of the disease, and has since been released from the hospital.
Late summer and early fall are typically when West Nile virus cases begin to increase.
Last year Douglas County saw only seven cases of the disease after a record 71 cases in 2018.
Still, the health department says it's best to remember a few easy practices to avoid what is a potentially deadly disease.
To protect yourself from mosquito bites you can:
• Apply a mosquito repellant containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus following label instructions.
• Minimize your activities outdoors at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
• Wear loose, long-sleeved shirts, plus long 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.
Medical people say most people who are infected with West Nile 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.
The threat of West Nile Virus ends with the first hard frost.