Lincoln health official offers tips to prevent West Nile virus

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Summer is the peak season for mosquitos, and interaction with one of these bugs could leave you or a loved one with more than just a bite.

“We know that West Nile virus is an endemic, we know that it is here,” said Chris Schroeder, environmental health supervisor at the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department. “It’s good that we do testing to help increase the public’s awareness if we do get a positive mosquito pool.”

Schroeder said mosquitos have tested positive for West Nile virus in Lancaster County and the community should start taking precautions.

“Our main message to the public is that they should remain vigilant with the goal to prevent mosquito bites, that’s the biggest thing,” Schroeder said.

To prevent yourself from mosquito bites, consider doing the following:

• Limit your time outdoors at dusk and dawn, when mosquitos are most active
• Wear long sleeve shirts, pants, shoes and socks when outside
• Use EPA-registered insect repellents such as lemon and eucalyptus oil

Schroeder said it’s important to use prevention measures throughout the summer.

As for reducing breeding areas around your home, Schroeder provided the following tips:

• Maintain your swimming pools
• Change water in bird baths weekly and pet bowls daily
• Store tire, buckets and containers where they can’t collect water
• Maintain garden ponds and fountains

There have been no reported human cases in Lancaster County.

However, one person in eastern Nebraska tested positive for the virus but was not hospitalized.

Most people who get infected with West Nile virus will have either no symptoms or very mild flu-like symptoms.