The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services says mosquitos infected with West Nile Virus are on the rise in Nebraska. West Nile is a disease spread to people through the bite of an infected mosquito.
The latest Mosquito testing data showed a high number of positive West Nile Virus samples detected in Nebraska’s mosquito population. Sixty mosquito pools have tested positive for West Nile Virus so far this year. On average, there are three positives at this point of the year.
Mosquito pools are samples of mosquitoes collected from across the state pooled together according to species, collection date and collection location. In Nebraska, the Culex species of mosquitoes is the class that carries West Nile Virus.
DHHS officials are encouraging Nebraskans to take preventative steps to avoid mosquito bites, including using insect repellant with DEET and wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants. It’s also recommended to take extra precautions when going outdoors at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
Anyone can get infected with West Nile Virus, but people over 50 years of age or older are at greatest risk for severe illness. People with compromised immune systems also are at greater risk. Mild signs and symptoms includes fever, headache, body aches, skin rash and swollen lymph glands.
Severe signs and symptoms are high fever, headaches, neck stiffness, disorientation, coma, tremors, occasional convulsions and paralysis. More information about West Nile Virus and risk reduction can be found by clicking here