Practice your mosquito defense

Football practice has started, the dog days of summer seem to be past, for the time being, at least, but one negative aspect of warm weather is still with us.

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services reported two more cases of West Nile virus this week, bringing the total for the year to five.

With the help of local health departments, testing of birds and mosquitoes show there is plenty of the virus out there, increasing the chances of being bitten by an infected mosquito.

Positive mosquito samples have been found in Chase, Cherry, Dawes, Dawson, Douglas, Hall, Holt, Lancaster, Madison, Phelps, Sarby, Scotts Bluff and Sheridan counties, while birds that have tested positive for West Nile have been found in Stanton, Dawson and Lancaster counties.

"While it has only been detected in a few counties, West Nile can probably be found in every county this time of year," said Dr. Annette Bredthauer, DHHS public health veterinarian.

The five human cases detected this year is far below the peak number of a few years back, but mosquito bites are still something to be taken seriously.

Most people who are infected by a mosquito have no symptoms, or only mild flu-like symptoms. Fewer than one out of 150 people who get bitten by an infected mosquito and become infected will get seriously ill, according to the DHHS. However, people over 50 and those with weakened immune systems are especially vulnerable to the disease and are more likely to experience serious consequences.

Besides the flu-like symptoms such as fever and muscle weakness, more serious results can include inflammation of the brain, disorientation, convulsions and paralysis.

It's worth taking precautions against mosquito bites. The DHHS recommends:

* Applying mosquito repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535

* 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

A good place to practice your mosquito defense techniques would be at tonight's Hot Summer Nights concert, 7 p.m. at Norris Park, sponsored by MNB.

You missed some great big band music if you missed the Lonny Lynn Orchestra a couple of weeks ago, so you should make an effort to turn out for tonight's performance of the Bel Airs of Columbia, Mo.

Brothers Dick and Dave Pruitt on guitars, backed up by Michael Cherry on drums play a "danceable mix with an authentic but eclectic bluesy-country-soul-and-rock-n-roll sound influenced by the likes of Wilson Picket, Slim Harpo, Howlin' Wolf and Johnny Cash." according to their Web site (www.belairs.com).

If there's not something in there for you, we don't know why. Thanks to McCook National Bank and MNB Insurance for providing this fun community concert series.

While you're in Norris Park, check out the band shell, which is going on 100 years old. The city plans to commission a study of what it will take to repair it, but we have a feeling we may all have a chance to get involved in the project.