Second batch of West Nile positive mosquitoes reported

    Mosquitos in Chase County have tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV) for the second time in two weeks,  according to Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department (SWNPHD).
    This follows other confirmed positive mosquitos found in counties surrounding the nine-county health district.
    “People get West Nile Virus from an infected female mosquito which bites them,” said Melissa Propp,RN, Surveillance Nurse at SWNPHD.
    “You must work on preventing mosquito bites as there is no cure for West Nile Virus.  WNV is not limited to the locations which have positive tested mosquitos,” she said.
    According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
    About one in five people who are infected with WNV will develop a fever with other symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea or rash. Most people with this type of West Nile virus disease recover completely, but fatigue and weakness can last for weeks or months.
    Less than 1 percent of people who are infected will develop a serious neurologic illness such as encephalitis or meningitis (inflammation of the brain or surrounding tissues).
    These symptoms can include headache, high fever, neck stiffness, disorientation, coma, tremors, seizures or paralysis.
    People with medical conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension and kidney disease are also at greater risk for serious illness with the West Nile Virus.
    “Use your insect repellent” states Propp. “DEET in your repellent is the most effective.”  
    An additional protection measure is to utilize mosquito dunks in standing water that cannot be eliminated.  It is a natural mosquito larvicide.  It kills mosquito larvae but is harmless to birds, fish, wildlife and pets.
    Mosquito dunks typically last 30 days and can be purchased at retail stores.

 

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