The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department on Friday reported that mosquitoes have tested positive for West Nile virus in the county. The virus is transmitted to people through the bite of an infected mosquito.
The Health Department reminds residents that mosquitoes are still active until around the first frost and it’s important to remain vigilant and continue to take measures to protect themselves from mosquito bites.
Take the following steps to avoid mosquito bites:
- Limit time outdoors at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active – usually a half hour before sunrise to about one hour after sunrise and a half hour before sunset to about two hours afterwards.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, shoes and socks when outside.
- Use an EPA-registered insect repellent when spending time outside such as those with DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane diol, or 2-undecanone – https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents
One human case has been reported in Lancaster County in 2022. A total of 10 cases were reported in 2021, including one death. Five cases were reported in 2020, including one death.
Residents can also reduce mosquito breeding areas by dumping small wading pools, clearing debris, weeds and litter from drainage ways and changing birdbaths weekly and pet bowls daily. The health department says it’s also a good idea to store tires, buckets and containers where they can’t collect water.