By Carolyn Lee
    The Imperial Republican
     The recent rains in Chase County have been good for crops, lawns and tempers. However, standing water left by the showers provides excellent breeding areas for mosquitoes, University of Nebraska-Lincoln entomologists say.
     Mosquitoes are carriers of West Nile virus, which can be transferred to humans, horses and birds.
     People who want to stay safe this summer should start by draining standing water, according to Jack Campbell, entomologist at UNL's West Central Research and Extension Center in North Platte.
     Breeding sites include wading pools, bird baths, leaf-clogged gutters, standing water in yards or alleys, potted plants, poorly drained curbs leading to storm sewers, old tires or any other water containers.
     Farmers should check irrigation re-use pits and areas where irrigation or heavy rains drain to roadside ditches.
     David Boxler, UNL entomology research technician, said that when mosquitoes are present, outdoor activities should be curtailed, if possible.
     "Light-colored clothing is less attractive to mosquitoes and should cover most of the skin," he said. "Although some people, especially small children, may be sensitive to them, repellents containing DEET should be used on exposed skin whenever possible."
     Insecticides can be used as residual sprays for mosquitoes that rest in shrubs, flowers or trees, but be sure to check the label for rates and toxicity to lawn and garden plants, he said.
     In 2006, Nebraska ranked fifth in the nation with 264 confirmed cases of West Nile virus. Buffalo, Douglas, Lincoln, Scottsbluff and Lancaster Counties led the state in the incidence of the disease, although most counties had at least one confirmed case.
     West Nile virus is similar to St. Louis encephalitis in symptoms and transmission cycle. Although most people will have no symptoms, 10 percent may develop a fever, headaches or other body aches, occasionally with a rash on the trunk, swollen lymph glands or other symptoms.
     Less than one percent will develop severe symptoms of encephalitis or meningitis, including intense headache, high fever, stiff neck, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, paralysis and possible death.
     The elderly and people with compromised immune systems are most likely to experience severe symptoms. The incubation period in humans is about three to 14 days. The disease can be treated with antibiotics. People who survive an infection are immune for life.
    Horse vaccine
     Dr. Kenneth Krausnick of Stanbar Animal Hospital in Imperial said he keeps a good supply of the vaccine for horses on hand. There is no vaccine for humans or any other animals.
     The first year a horse should receive the vaccine and a booster. All other years, Dr. Krausnick said, a horse needs to receive a booster shot.
     The vaccines should be given before mosquito season begins, he said.
    Dead birds collected
     The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services Regulation and Licensure began its surveillance program for West Nile virus Wednesday by accepting dead birds for testing for the virus.
     A grant of $350,000 from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will assist in surveillance. Local health departments have received funding for the pick-up and transport of specimens.
     The University of Nebraska-Lincoln Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory will perform the testing.
     "Finding the virus in birds gives public health officials an indication of the level of the virus in the area and the risk to human beings of contracting the disease," according to Annette Bredthauer, State Public Health Veterinarian with the Nebraska Health and Human Services System.
     Dr. Krausnick said that if people find dead raptors such as hawks and owls, blue jays or magpies, they may be brought to his clinic. He stressed that they should be "freshly dead," and "not dehydrated or with their eyes sunk in."
     Other birds will not be tested. Testing will only be conducted on birds that are in good condition, with no evidence of maggots or rotting.