West Nile Virus (WNV) is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the US. It is spread to people by a bite from an infected mosquito. Most cases of WNV occur during mosquito season, which starts in the summer and continues into the fall. Until there is a hard freeze, mosquitos will remain active.

 

There is no vaccine to prevent or medications to treat WNV in people. The most common symptoms in humans 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.

 

 

 

Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department reminds you to protect yourself against West Nile Virus (WNV) by taking steps to prevent mosquito bites.

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

 

• Use insect repellent with recommended active ingredients.
• 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.

 

 

 

SWNPHD provides data about possible WNV in the health district by trapping mosquitoes and sending them in for testing. The public will be notified of any mosquito pools that test positive for West Nile, and any positive cases. We have had mosquitos test positive for WNV in our district this summer.