Health Department Urges Continued Precautions Against West Nile Virus

Health Department Urges Continued Precautions Against West Nile Virus

Published on July 26, 2024

Two human cases reported in Lancaster County

The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department (LLCHD) today urged residents to take continued precautions against West Nile virus (WNV). Two human cases were recently reported in Lancaster County.

"WNV is primarily spread to people through the bite of an infected mosquito with the highest risk occurring in mid to late summer," said Chris Schroeder, Environmental Health Supervisor. "It's important to stay vigilant - keep using your bug spray and taking other basic steps to protect against mosquitoes."

Residents can prevent mosquito bites by following these precautions:

• 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. Visit https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents for more information.
• Limit time outdoors at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, shoes, and socks when outside.

Most people who become infected with WNV do not feel sick. About one in five will develop a fever with other symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea or rash. Less than 1% of people infected will develop a serious illness like encephalitis or meningitis (inflammation of the brain or surrounding tissues).

LLCHD started trapping and testing mosquitoes in June. So far, WNV hasn't been detected in mosquito pools in Lancaster County. The state also recently tested several mosquito pools in Lancaster County for Jamestown Canyon virus (JCV). The virus was not detected. JCV is another virus that is spread to people by infected mosquitoes and was recently identified in a mosquito pool in Douglas County, which is the first time the virus has been found in Nebraska. No human cases have ever been reported in the state and no human cases have been reported in the U.S. so far this year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The Health Department also reminds residents take steps to help reduce mosquitoes in and around their homes:

• Dump small wading pools daily and maintain swimming pools properly.
• Clear debris, weeds, and litter from drainage ways.
• Change water in birdbaths weekly and pet bowls daily.
• Store tires, buckets, and containers where they can't collect water.
• Fill low spots in yards.
• Maintain garden ponds and fountains and always keep water flowing.

For questions about WNV, mosquito control, and standing water or to file mosquito breeding site complaints, contact LLCHD at 402-441-8002.

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