West Nile Virus Detected for Third Time in Mosquitoes

Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department (SWNPHD) was notified of another group of mosquitoes that have tested positive for West Nile Virus. This is a time to take extra care to protect yourself from mosquito bites. This is the third group of mosquitoes to test positive this year in Red Willow County. There is no specific treatment for WNV and no vaccine for humans.

Over 100 cases of WNV have been reported in southwest Nebraska since 2012, and Nebraska continues to have one of the highest rates of West Nile in the nation. Most people who get infected with West Nile do not have any symptoms, however, occasionally West Nile Virus can cause severe illness. The most common symptoms are fever, body aches, and fatigue that can last for weeks or months. Less often, people develop severe illness such as swelling in the brain or spinal cord leading to weakness, paralysis, or death.

“This is a reminder for everyone to continue taking steps to prevent mosquito bites, even as the weather starts to get cooler,” states Sarah Minnick, Program Manager at SWNPHD. “Mosquitoes in the area may still be carrying West Nile Virus and can pass it on to people.”

The following tips can be used to help prevent the spread of West Nile:

Apply an EPA approved repellent like DEET before spending time outside.
Wear long sleeves and long pants, especially if you will be out during dawn and dusk.
Check your property for standing water and remove or drain it.
Use mosquito dunks in standing water that cannot be drained, such as birdbaths, ponds, troughs, or other water sources. These products are safe for animals, birds, fish, and people.
Vaccinate horses in the spring.
House horses indoors during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
Avoid turning on lights in the barn and use incandescent bulbs around the perimeter of the stable.
 

For questions about West Nile Virus call SWNPHD at 308-345-4223 or visit cdc.gov/westnile. Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department serves Chase, Dundy, Frontier, Furnas, Hayes, Hitchcock, Keith, Perkins, and Red Willow counties. The website swhealth.ne.gov contains many resources and additional information helpful to prevent disease, promote and protect health. Follow SWNPHD on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram.