Douglas County reports 5 confirmed cases of West Nile as virus surfaces this season
Four men and one woman between the ages of 40 and 75 were infected with the virus, according to 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 the ages of 40 and 75. The health department suspects at least two of the cases contracted the virus while traveling. Two pools 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 yourself from mosquito bites,” said Health Director Dr. Lindsay Huse in a statement, adding Nebraska has seen an unusually large number of positive mosquito pools in other parts of the state. Most people infected with West Nile have no symptoms, but about 20 percent will develop a fever, headache, and rash. About one in 150 will develop a severe illness such as encephalitis or meningitis, according to the health department. To reduce your chance of getting West Nile: Use a mosquito repellant with 30 percent DEET or another CDC-approved repellantWear light-colored, loose, long-sleeved shirts, pants, shoes, and socks outdoorsAvoid outdoor activity around dawn and dusk when mosquitos are most activeRemove standing water near your home or ask the Health Department to treat itLast year, Douglas County had six confirmed cases of West Nile Virus. In 2018, the record high was 71 confirmed cases. Get the latest headlines from KETV NewsWatch 7
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 the ages of 40 and 75. The health department suspects at least two of the cases contracted the virus while traveling.
Two pools 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 yourself from mosquito bites,” said Health Director Dr. Lindsay Huse in a statement, adding Nebraska has seen an unusually large number of positive mosquito pools in other parts of the state.
Most people infected with West Nile have no symptoms, but about 20 percent will develop a fever, headache, and rash. About one in 150 will develop a severe illness such as encephalitis or meningitis, according to the health department.
To reduce your chance of getting West Nile:
- Use a mosquito repellant with 30 percent DEET or another CDC-approved repellant
- Wear light-colored, loose, long-sleeved shirts, pants, shoes, and socks outdoors
- Avoid outdoor activity around dawn and dusk when mosquitos 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 high was 71 confirmed cases.
Get the latest headlines from KETV NewsWatch 7
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