Nebraska DHHS reports first West Nile virus case of 2023
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – State officials reported that the first West Nile virus case of 2023 has been found in eastern Nebraska.
On Thursday, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services said the virus was reported in the Three Rivers Public Health District, which covers Saunders, Dodge and Washington Counties.
The person who tested positive for the virus was not hospitalized, according to the press release.
Nebraska DHHS said there are several ways to reduce the risk of contracting the West Nile virus:
- Using a repellant that contains DEET, picaridin, lemon eucalyptus oil or IR3535.
- Wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, shoes and socks when outside.
- Taking extra precautions when going outdoors at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
- Draining 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 bird baths, 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.
More information can be found on Nebraska DHHS’s website.
