OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – The Douglas County Health Department is again monitoring for West Nile Virus as the summer season approaches.
The United States Department of Health and Human Services says 2,406 cases of West Nile were reported in the country last year. The highest concentration occurs across the central Great Plains, including Nebraska. The virus typically makes its return in the summer and autumn.
Mosquitoes contract the virus by feeding on infected birds, and then the disease can be transferred to humans via a mosquito bite.
DCHD works to control mosquito populations by spraying larvicide in breeding areas or areas of standing water. All mosquitoes collected on a biweekly basis are counted through the end of September and their species identified. DCHD says many species of Culex mosquitoes can spread West Nile to humans and other animals. When a batch of them tests positive, the health department will notify the public. Culex mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk.
Douglas County Health Director Dr. Lindsay Huse expects batches of mosquitoes to test positive for West Nile in the months ahead. An online tracking tool showing the species and population density of mosquitoes in a given area is available via DCHD’s website.
The Douglas County Health Department recommends the following to avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes:
- Use a mosquito repellent with 30 percent DEET — or picaridin and oil of lemon eucalyptus
- Wear light-colored, loose, long-sleeved shirts, pants, shoes, and socks outdoors
- Avoid outdoor activity around dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active
- Remove standing water near your home or contact DCHD to treat it
- If applying sunscreen, apply it before you apply repellent and avoid combined products
Since West Nile established itself in Nebraska, the number of cases in Douglas County has ranged from a record of 71 human cases in 2018 to a low of two cases in 2020.
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