Mosquitoes test positive for West Nile virus in Lancaster County, officials report

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Mosquitoes in Lancaster County tested positive for the West Nile virus, officials reported Thursday.

The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department has not reported any human cases of West Nile virus this year.

Officials said Lincolnites should take extra measures to protect themselves from mosquito bites.

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services provided several tips to reduce the risk of contracting West Nile:

• Use a repellant that contains deet, picaridin, lemon eucalyptus oil or IR3535.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, shoes and socks when outside.
• Take extra precautions when going outdoors at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.
• Drain standing water around your home. Standing water and warmth breed mosquitoes.
• Irrigate lawns and gardens carefully to prevent water from standing for several days.
• Empty and change the water in birdbaths, fountains, wading pools, rain barrels and potted trays at least once a week, if not more often.
• Make sure window and door screens are “bug tight” and repair or replace torn screens.

SEE ALSO: Nebraska DHHS reports first West Nile virus case of 2023