SARPY COUNTY, Neb. (KMTV) — Tuesday, the Sarpy/Cass Health Department announced the first case of human West Nile Virus in Sarpy County this year.
The individual is under 40-years-old and was not hospitalized, a press release says.
The Health Department typically sees an average of four West Nile cases each year; however, in 2018, they investigated a total of 42 cases.
“This is our first case of West Nile Virus this year, and it is important for individuals to know how to protect themselves from getting sick and the best way to do that is to avoid mosquito bites,” said Health Director Sarah Schram.
West Nile is a disease transmitted to humans through a bite of an infected mosquito. Most infections occur in Nebraska from June through September.
The Health Department offers the following tips to protect yourself from the virus and other mosquito-borne diseases:
· Limit outdoor activity during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
· Reduce the amount of exposed skin by wearing long sleeved shirts and pants and cover infant strollers, cribs, and baby carriers with nets.
· Cover exposed skin with an EPA-approved insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
· Install or repair screens on windows and doors. Use air conditioning, if you have it.
· Empty standing water from items outside your home such as flowerpots, buckets, and kiddie pools.
Most people infected with WNV do not develop any symptoms; however, symptoms can include headache, fever, neck stiffness, muscle weakness, and rash.
Anyone with questions about WNV should contact their primary health care provider or visit the Health Department website www.sarpycasshealthdepartment.org [sarpycasshealthdepartment.org]
