Mosquitos carrying Jamestown Canyon and West Nile virus found in Douglas County

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Neb. (KLKN) — Douglas County Health Department (DCHD) announced the identification of Jamestown Canyon virus and West Nile virus in three mosquito pools.

The DCHD said there is no human cases in Douglas County reported.

“Finding these viruses in mosquito populations is an important reminder that mosquito season is here,” said Lindsay Huse, health director for the Douglas County Health Department. “The best way to reduce your risk is to prevent mosquito bites and eliminate standing water around your home.”

The mosquito pools, groups of mosquitos taken from certain areas for research, featured Culex, Aedes and Anopheles mosquitos. The Culex mosquitos tested positive for West Nile virus while the other two tested positive for Jamestown Canyon virus.

The DCHD said there may be no symptoms if infected with either virus. They said to take precautions during mosquito season to reduce the risk of mosquito-borne illnesses.