Nebraska health officials report first West Nile virus death of 2023

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Nebraska health officials on Tuesday reported the first West Nile virus death in the state this year.

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services said a person in the Panhandle died from the disease.

In the last five years, Nebraska has had an average of six West Nile virus deaths per year, officials said.

In less than 1% of cases, the virus affects the nervous system and can cause brain inflammation, according to DHHS.

The department provided several tips to reduce the risk of contracting the virus:

• 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.