Positive West Nile virus mosquitos found nearby in Red Willow County

    Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department reports mosquitos in three mosquito pools have tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV) in nearby Red Willow County.  
    West Nile is a virus primarily spread to humans by infected mosquitos. The virus can cause flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, rash, body aches and joint pain.  
    It can also cause encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord). However, 70 to 80 percent of people infected with WNV will have no symptoms.
    WNV came to the attention of public health officials in the United States in 1999.  Every state except Alaska has detected West Nile Virus.  WNV is not spread from person to person or from animal to person. It is not spread by handling live or dead infected birds or by eating infected birds or animals.  
    “It is important to be vigilant and avoid getting bitten by mosquitos,” said Melissa Propp, Public Health Nurse.

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