Five Nebraska counties test positive for West Nile in mosquitoes

Five Nebraska counties have reported cases of the West Nile virus in the past two weeks, including Scotts Bluff, Dawson, Garden, Sheridan and Webster Counties.

All of these positive tests were found in mosquitos, but it is during the months of August and September that humans oftentimes test positive for the disease, due to the cycle it must run through first; from birds to mosquitos, then to humans.

According to Kerry Ferguson, Community Relations Director at Kimball Health Services, no cases have yet been reported to local authorities.

“We have not had anyone come in with a positive test, nor anyone come in exhibiting symptoms,” Ferguson said.

Despite the fact that no tests have shown the presence of the disease in Kimball County, authorities are urging the public to take precautions to avoid the spread of West Nile, which killed 27 Nebraskans in 2003.

Emptying bird baths and other containers filled with stagnant water is a good practice to employ during these summer months, as well as rain gutters and children’s swimming pools.

A report issued by the Center for Disease Control shows Nebraska is one of 14 states that have reported human tests with a positive result this year. South Dakota and Colorado are also on that list of states.

However, that test occurred in the central part of the state, when an individual in Hamilton County tested positive for the disease in late June.

Colorado’s only positive test of 2013 was recorded in an individual from Delta County, which is southeast of Grand Junction.

One of the signs of West Nile that is easily recognizable is the presence of birds that have appear to have died without an identifiable cause. If you encounter such a situation, please contact local authorities so the bird can be tested for West Nile.

If you, or loved ones, believe you may have contracted the West Nile virus, be sure to receive medical attention immediately, and do not wait for syptoms to worsen.