Three Rivers Public Health Department reports two positive West Nile Virus (WNV) mosquito pools, located within Dodge County.
Out of the two mosquito testing locations utilized last week, both tested positive for West Nile Virus. WNV is not only being detected within the
jurisdiction, but throughout the state.
As of last week, 42 new positive WNV mosquito pools were detected across Nebraska. The new detections bring the total number of WNV mosquito pools this season to 60. This total number, at this point in the summer, is more than 20 times higher than the total WNV mosquito pool number across the past five years.
The 2018-2022 seasons had an average of 2.6 positives through week 8. This year’s 2023 season has had 60 positives through week 8.
Mosquito surveillance, conducted through trapping and testing, will continue throughout the summer for public health and safety. There is no vaccine to prevent West Nile Virus. The best way to protect yourself from this disease is to protect yourself from mosquito bites.
People can reduce their risk by:
• Using a repellant that contains DEET
• Wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, shoes, and socks
• Taking extra precautions when going outdoors at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most
active
• Removing standing water where mosquitoes breed (or use mosquito dunks)
• Empty and change the water in bird baths, fountains, wading pools, rain barrels and potted trays
at least once a week, if not more often
• Make sure window and door screens are “bug tight” and repair or replace torn screens
Many people who are infected have no symptoms or only mild flu-like symptoms. Less than 1% of people infected with West Nile Virus become severely ill. However, people 50 and older and those with weakened immune systems are especially vulnerable to the disease and are more likely to experience serious consequences.
It’s important for all ages to take safety precautions against mosquitoes to prevent illnesses.
Free mosquito wipes and mosquito dunks are available to residents of Dodge, Washington, and Saunders County. Mosquito wipes and mosquito dunks can be pick
