Human West Nile virus case reported in Lancaster County

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Lancaster County on Monday reported its first human case of West Nile virus of the year.

The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department said it is still the height of West Nile season and more human cases are possible.

“It’s important to keep using your bug spray and taking other basic steps to protect against mosquitoes until we experience that first frost,” Chris Schroeder, environmental health supervisor, said in a press release.

The announcement came on the same day that the Douglas County Health Department confirmed two human cases of the virus.

Most people who get West Nile do not feel sick at all.

But health officials said about 20% get a fever and symptoms like headache, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea and rash.

Less than 1% of people infected experience a serious illness encephalitis or meningitis, experts said.