Mosquitoes with West Nile virus were found in Hall County after a recent collection from a mosquito trap tested positive.
This is the first confirmed positive test of mosquitoes in Nebraska. Mosquito surveillance, trapping and testing are spread across the state of Nebraska and give an early indication of where the virus is circulating and provides information on human contraction. At this time there have been no human cases of West Nile detected.
If West Nile is contracted symptoms may include fever and headache. Severe cases can lead to meningitis, encephalitis, disorientation, convulsions, paralysis and potentially death.
Prevention is key. All Nebraska residents are encouraged to:
- Use an EPA approved insect repellent that has DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
- Be careful at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
- Wear long sleeve shirts and pants, especially when out hiking and camping.
- Frequently check your property for standing water and drain items such as wagons, bird baths, flowerpots, gutters, and tires. Mosquitoes can breed in small pools of water.
- Be cautious outdoors until there are consistently low overnight temperatures, even with sudden changes in weather.
