A woman over 50 was hospitalized and released after contracting the first case of West Nile Virus reported in Douglas County this year.
Around this time of year is when West Nile cases tend to spike and infected mosquitos have been found at monitoring sites in downtown Omaha.
Less than 1 in 150 people bit by an infected mosquito will experience serious illness.
The Douglas County Health Department offers the following tips to protect yourself from West Nile:
- Apply a mosquito repellant containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Be sure to follow label instructions.
- Minimize your activities outdoors at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
- Wear loose, long-sleeved shirts, plus pants, shoes and socks when you are outdoors.
- Remove all standing water near your home,
- Empty buckets and pet dishes daily and bird baths on a weekly basis.
- Clear weeds and anything else that may obstruct water from draining properly.
- Follow proper swimming pool maintenance procedures and keep water moving in ponds or fountains.
