LINCOLN – Nebraska’s first death attributed to the West Nile Virus death has been reported in the panhandle.
Last year, the state’s first West Nile virus death occurred in September. The last five years in Nebraska have seen an average of six West Nile Virus deaths a year. The most being 13 deaths in 2018 and the least being one in both 2019 and 2020. In less than one percent West Nile Virus cases, the virus affects the nervous system and can lead to serious issues such as inflammation of the brain.
Just recently Two Rivers Public Health Department reported a clinical case of West Nile virus in a human in the district. In addition, the Central District Health Department reported two mosquito pools tested positive for West Nile virus.
Resident should take the following precautions to avoid mosquito bites:
- Use insect repellant (DEET, Picaridin, Oil of lemon eucalyptus)
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants
- Take extra precautions when going outdoors at dawn and dusk
- Take steps to control mosquitoes indoors and outdoors
Anyone can get infected with West Nile Virus, but people over 50 years of age or older are at greatest risk for severe illness but can occur in people of any age. People with compromised immune systems also are at greater risk.
Mild signs and symptoms
- Fever
- Headache
- Body aches
- Skin rash and
- Swollen lymph glands
Severe signs and symptoms
- High fever
- Headache
- Neck stiffness
- Stupor
- Disorientation
- Coma
- Tremors
- Occasional convulsions
- Paralysis
The mosquito season begins in the summer and continues through fall.
More information about West Nile Virus and risk reduction can be found at https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Mosquito-Borne-Disease-Prevention.aspx.
