Three Rivers Public Health Department (3RPHD) is confirming the first human case of West Nile Virus in the district. The patient is hospitalized.
“West Nile Virus is a concern, and this is a good reminder to protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites,” said Terra Uhing, Three Rivers Health Director.
Three Rivers Public Health Department has been trapping and testing mosquitos for West Nile Virus this year. The district’s third positive West Nile Virus mosquito pool has also been reported within Dodge County in Fremont. The first positive pool was reported in Fremont on Aug. 11, and the second positive pool was reported in Fremont on Sept. 8.
Transmission of West Nile Virus occurs through the bite of a mosquito that has acquired the virus by feeding on an infected bird. In turn, the mosquito can pass the virus to humans. You cannot get West Nile Virus from a dead bird. The best thing the public can do to protect themselves from West Nile Virus is to avoid mosquitoes.
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
· Irrigate lawns and gardens carefully to prevent water from standing for several days
· 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
Most 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 over 50 and those with weakened immune systems are especially vulnerable to the disease and are more likely to experience serious consequences.
Free mosquito wipes and mosquito dunks are available to residents of Dodge, Washington, and Saunders County. Mosquito wipes and mosquito dunks can be picked up at Three Rivers Public Health Department, located at 2400 N. Lincoln Ave in Fremont.
For more information, call Three Rivers at 402-727-5396 or visit www.threeriverspublichealth.org. Additional information can be found on the Department of Health & Human Services Website at: https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/west-nile-virus.aspx
