Make sure last summer weekend is safe, enjoyable

Fall sports season is in full swing, but this long weekend is a chance to take one last crack at traditional outdoor summer activities.

Of special concern as we head outdoors is West Nile virus, which officially has claimed one more death this season, this time a man in his 70s who lived in the south-central part of the state.

Unfortunately, people over 50 are the most at risk from the most serious consequences of West Nile, according to Dr. Joann Schaefer, chief medical officer and director of the Division of Public Health.

Dundy and Furnas counties are among the 27 counties where a total of 46 cases of West Nile have been reported.

By way of review, West Nile is spread by the bite of a mosquito that has fed on an infected bird.

"Mosquitoes are very active right now," Schaefer said. "It's the peak time to catch the virus, so it's important to take precautions."

The City of McCook is diligent about spraying for mosquitoes, so perhaps residents here have slightly less risk of West Nile infection.

But we wouldn't bet on it. We'd recommend following Department of Health and Human Services guidelines that call for:

* applying mosquito repellent containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus

* wearing long-sleeved shirt, pants and socks

* avoiding going out at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active

* eliminating standing water to reduce mosquito breeding sites.

There have been 46 deaths from West Nile virus in Nebraska since 2002, the year the disease found its way to Nebraska from the east coast.

Let's do our best to make sure none of our friends or family add to the total because of this year's Labor Day activities.

Of course, there are plenty of other hazardous associated with being outdoors this time of year, and Schaefer recommends measures to counteract them as well.

With 90-degree temperatures expected, be sure to drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated, but avoid this with alcohol, caffeine or large amounts of sugar.

Also:

* limit strenuous outdoor activities to the cooler morning and evening hours.

* use sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher.

On your cookout, keep foods or cold as needed and put food back in the refrigerator within two hours of service.

Also:

* keep raw meats and juice separate from ready-to-eat foods. Cook meat thoroughly.

* wash your hands before handling food, after handling raw meats and after using the bathroom.

And if you're traveling, of course, avoid drinking and driving or driving while tired, and make sure everyone in your vehicle is buckled up.