Local public health departments throughout Nebraska trap and test mosquitoes each year. However, this
summer season is proving to be different than previous years. One-hundred and twelve West Nile Virus
mosquito pools have been detected across Nebraska this season, as of last Saturday.
During 2022, only three positive mosquito pools had been detected at this time last year. This is a large increase in the
circulation of West Nile Virus in the state.
Over the previous five years of mosquito testing from 2018 to 2022, Nebraska as a state averaged nine positives through week 10. We are more than 12 times higher than that at present. West Nile Virus is spread by the Culex species of mosquito. Mosquito surveillance in Nebraska has shown a much higher presence of Culex mosquitoes this year.
What does this mean for Nebraskans? A higher population of Culex mosquitoes means more opportunities to be bitten by Culex mosquitoes. This species of mosquito typically feeds from evening to morning hours. Nebraskans should take precautions to avoid contact with mosquitoes because they may spread West Nile Virus.
People can reduce their risk by:
• Using an insect 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
• Empty and change the water in bird baths, fountains, wading pools, rain barrels and potted trays
at least once a week
• 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 one percent 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 District Health Department 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
