By: Megan Palera
mpalera@klkntv.com
That pesky mosquito is once again causing problems. The number of West Nile cases in the U. S. jumping to 693 Thursday, up 50 percent from just a week ago.
The Centers for Disease Control also reports 28 deaths nationwide, and Dallas, Texas, has issued a state of emergency.
So can we expect the same from here?
"We've been waiting for that for a number of years because our numbers have been low, but we haven't seen it in years that we've had somewhat similar weather patterns so we're not really sure," said Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Joann Schaefer.
Dr. Schaefer says it's not time to panic. Nebraska is right on par for where it's been in the past. The number of cases sits at 13 with one confirmed case in Lancaster County.
Although West Nile Virus isn't a threat here in Nebraska yet, officials urge prevention and it starts with using bug repellent spray or lotion, and wearing long sleeves and pants when you head outdoors.
"There are a lot of disease that mosquitoes do carry and we do think that it's important to try to prevent a mosquito bite," said Dr. Schaefer.
If you do think you have West Nile, contact your doctor immediately. Six years ago during the big epidemic, Max Siegrist of Waverly caught it and nearly died.
"I had a stroke in '83 and West Nile is worse than that," said Siegrist.
West Nile symptoms are much like flu symptoms, headache and fever but it lasts much longer. Most people don't even realize they have it.
