The North Central District Health Department would like to report that a pool of mosquitoes in Cherry county (near Valentine) has tested positive for West Nile Virus. In addition, an increasing number of mosquito pools in Holt county have tested positive, since the first positive pool was trapped on 7/31/18.
Culex mosquitoes, a type of mosquito known to be the carrier of West Nile Virus, are currently at very high numbers in the NCDHD region. As of August 25th, 36 human clinical cases & two West Nile Virus related deaths have been confirmed in Nebraska. In addition, 22 asymptomatic Nebraska blood donors have been identified. Residents not only in Cherry & Holt County, but across Nebraska (and South Dakota) should take precautions to protect themselves from mosquitoes.
To avoid mosquitoes consider:
Applying an EPA approved mosquito repellent (DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535).
Limiting exposure when outdoors by wearing long sleeve shirts and pants.
Limiting time spent outdoors during when Culex mosquitoes are most active, typically dusk to midnight.
Getting rid of standing water that mosquitoes may breed in.
Mosquitoes are trapped in several locations across the North Central District Health Department (NCDHD) nine-county region. NCDHD will continue to trap mosquitoes and will take calls regarding sick or dead birds that have been found. If you would find a dead bird that may have died from West Nile Virus, report the bird to NCDHD at 1-877-336-2406.
For more information call North Central District Health Department at 1-877-336-2406 or visit the DHHS Web site at: http://dhhs.ne.gov/publichealth/Pages/wnv.aspx. North Central District Health Department serves Antelope, Boyd, Brown, Cherry, Holt, Keya Paha, Knox, Pierce, and Rock Counties.