West Nile Virus: First Cases In Nebraska Reported

West Nile Virus

The first cases of West Nile virus have been reported to the Nebraska Health and Human Services System.

The two cases involve males between the ages of 26 and 64, one a resident of Lincoln County and one of Platte County.

West Nile is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito that has picked up the virus by feeding on an infected bird.

"People should definitely take precautions against mosquito bites," said Dr. Annette Bredthauer, the state's public health veterinarian, "no matter what area of the state they live in. It only takes one bite to infect you."

The first mosquitoes to test positive for West Nile virus have been found in Holt County in the north-central part of Nebraska.

The HHS System tests mosquitoes and birds to determine the level of virus in the state.

West Nile is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito that has picked up the virus by feeding on an infected bird.

To avoid mosquito bites, HHSS recommends:

* Applying mosquito repellent containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus;

* Wearing long-sleeved shirt, pants and socks;

* Avoiding going out at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active; and

* Eliminating standing water to reduce mosquito breeding sites.

No birds have tested positive yet. With the assistance of local health departments, HHSS is collecting and testing blue jays, crows and raptors, the birds most likely to be affected by the virus. To report dead birds, contact your local health department.

There were 255 human cases of the disease reported last year. This compares to 188 in 2005, 57 in 2004, 2,366 in 2003 and 174 in 2002. There were no cases prior to 2002, the year the disease found its way to Nebraska from the East Coast.

Most people who are infected by a mosquito have no symptoms or only mild flu-like symptoms. Less than one out of 150 people who get bitten by an infected mosquito and become infected will get seriously ill. However, people over 50 and those with weakened immune systems are especially vulnerable to the disease and are more likely to experience serious consequences.

West Nile fever includes flu-like symptoms such as fever and muscle weakness. Symptoms of the more serious West Nile encephalitis include inflammation of the brain, disorientation, convulsions and paralysis.

source:www.emaxhealth.com