Story by Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department
Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department (SWNPHD) has been notified of a person testing positive for West Nile Virus in the health district. West Nile Virus is a disease that is spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito. There have been 3 reported pools of mosquitoes infected with West Nile Virus this year in southwest Nebraska.
“Please be aware that mosquitoes in southwest Nebraska may be carrying West Nile Virus,” states Sarah Minnick, Program Manager at SWNPHD. “It is important to continue preventing mosquito bites until a hard freeze.”
Symptoms of West Nile Virus take anywhere from 3 to 14 days to appear after a mosquito bite. Most people do not notice any symptoms, but 2 in 10 people will have a fever and possibly experience headaches, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. These symptoms usually go away in less than a week, but fatigue and weakness can last several weeks or months. Rest, fluids, and over-the-counter pain medications may relieve some symptoms.
In rare cases, people need to be hospitalized to receive supportive treatment after being infected with West Nile Virus. In these severe cases, West Nile Virus enters the brain and spinal cord leading to stiff neck, confusion, paralysis, coma, or death. Seek medical care right away if you notice any loss of movement, muscle tremors, or feeling disoriented or confused.
There is no specific treatment for West Nile Virus. The best way to avoid becoming sick is to take actions to prevent mosquito bites. This includes wearing insect repellent and long shirts and pants, especially at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active. After rain, check around your yard or property and turn over and drain any items that may have standing water in them. More information on West Nile Virus may be found at cdc.gov/westnile or by calling SWNPHD at 308-345-4223. Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department serves Chase, Dundy, Frontier, Furnas, Hayes, Hitchcock, Keith, Perkins, and Red Willow counties. Information can also be found on SWNPHD’s Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.