ADAMS COUNTY MOSQUITOES TEST POSITIVE FOR WEST NILE

The South Heartland District Health Department (SHDHD) reports that mosquitoes collected from three sites in Adams County have tested positive for West Nile virus.  The mosquitoes were trapped by City of Hastings officials on July 15-17.  SHDHD previously reported that mosquitoes trapped in Webster County tested positive for West Nile virus. 
Health Director Michele Bever reminds people that infected mosquitoes can pass the West Nile virus to humans. “As of July 26, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services had reported four laboratory-confirmed cases of West Nile infection in Nebraskans. With this in mind, and the positive mosquitoes in Adams County and Webster counties, we continue to encourage South Heartland residents to take precautions that will reduce their chances of mosquito bites.” 
According to Bever, prevention steps include the four “Ds”: (1) Dress to protect - in long pants and long sleeves to prevent mosquito bites, (2) use effective insect repellents, such as those containing DEET, (3) limit outdoor activity between Dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active, and (4) Drain standing water to remove places where mosquitoes can breed. 
Efforts by the City of Hastings mosquito control staff are aimed at reducing the mosquito population in Hastings.  “We are constantly monitoring all known mosquito production sites located within the city limits and are taking necessary abatement actions to deal with those mosquito populations,” said Michael Stromer.  “We are also monitoring adult mosquito activity daily and are spraying for adult mosquitoes as weather conditions allow.” 
Symptoms of West Nile virus infection can range from mild to severe.  While 80% of people who are infected with West Nile virus don’t show any symptoms at all, there is no way to know in advance whether you will develop mild symptoms or a more serious, life altering, or even fatal case of the illness.   
About 20% of people who become infected experience mild illness with symptoms such as fever, headache, and rash.  Approximately 1 in every 150 people infected with West Nile virus will experience more serious symptoms such as high fever, neck stiffness, disorientation, muscle weakness, coma, numbness or paralysis.  West Nile infection can be fatal. 
For more information, or to request materials or a presentation about West Nile virus and West Nile virus surveillance activities, go to www.southheartlandhealth.org or contact South Heartland District Health Department at 402-462-6211 or toll-free at 877-238-7595.