Mosquitoes in Panhandle carry West Nile Virus
A Panhandle mosquito trap site recently collected mosquitoes that tested positive for West Nile virus. These are the first confirmed positive mosquitoes in Nebraska.
Multiple locations across Nebraska are routinely monitored to trap and test mosquitoes over the summer months. Human cases of West Nile are also used for surveillance; however, at this time, there have been no human cases of West Nile detected.
West Nile virus is contracted through the bite of a mosquito. Symptoms may include a fever and headaches, although eight out of ten people remain asymptomatic. Severe cases of West Nile can lead to meningitis, encephalitis, disorientation, convulsions, paralysis, and potentially death. People with compromised immune systems are especially susceptible to this disease and individuals >50 years of age are at higher risk of developing severe disease. No specific vaccines or antivirals are available for treatment of West Nile virus infection.
To read more please log in or subscribe to the digital edition. https://etypeservices.com/Humphrey%20DemocratID645/