Douglas County reports 5 confirmed West Nile cases as virus emerges this season
Four men and one woman between the ages of 40 and 75 were infected with the virus, according to the Douglas County Health Department.
West Nile virus has been confirmed in Douglas County, according to the health department. The Douglas County Health Department said five cases of West Nile infection have been confirmed, including two that required hospitalization. In total, four men and one woman were infected. The patients were between 40 and 75 years old. The health department suspects that at least two of the cases contracted the virus while traveling. Two groups or batches of mosquitoes in Douglas County tested positive for the virus. Those were at Boys Town and Seymour Smith Park. “This new development is a good reason for everyone in Douglas County to protect themselves from mosquito bites,” Health Director Dr. Lindsay Huse said in a statement, adding that Nebraska has seen unusually large numbers of positive mosquito clusters in other parts of the state. Most people infected with West Nile have no symptoms, but about 20 percent will develop fever, headache, and rash. About one in 150 will develop a serious illness such as encephalitis or meningitis, according to the health department. of contracting West Nile virus: Use a mosquito repellent with 30 percent DEET or another CDC-approved repellent Wear long-sleeved, loose-fitting, light-colored shirts, pants, shoes, and socks outdoors Avoid outdoor activities free during dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active Remove standing water near your home or seek treatment from the Health Department Last year, Douglas County had six confirmed cases of West Nile virus. In 2018, the record was 71 confirmed cases. Get the latest headlines from KETV NewsWatch 7
West Nile virus confirmed in douglas countyaccording to the health department.
The Douglas County Health Department said five cases of West Nile infection have been confirmed, including two that required hospitalization.
In total, four men and one woman were infected. The patients were between 40 and 75 years old. The health department suspects that at least two of the cases contracted the virus while traveling.
Two groups or batches of mosquitoes in Douglas County tested positive for the virus. Those were at Boys Town and Seymour Smith Park.
“This new development is a good reason for everyone in Douglas County to protect themselves from mosquito bites,” Health Director Dr. Lindsay Huse said in a statement, adding that Nebraska has seen unusually large numbers of positive mosquito clusters in other parts of the state. .
Most people infected with West Nile have no symptoms, but about 20 percent will develop fever, headache, and rash. About one in 150 will develop a serious illness such as encephalitis or meningitis, according to the health department.
To reduce your chances of getting West Nile virus:
- Use a mosquito repellent with 30 percent DEET or another CDC-approved repellent
- Wear light-colored, loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts, pants, shoes, and socks outdoors.
- Avoid outdoor activity at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.
- Remove standing water near your home or ask the Health Department to treat it
Last year, Douglas County had six confirmed cases of West Nile virus. In 2018, the record was 71 confirmed cases.
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