Fighting crime with DNA carries potential for abuse

It's a brave new world.

Although it may not be a first for the state, a theft charge filed in Lancaster County is certainly one of the first where charges were filed against an unknown burglary suspect based on his DNA profile.

The complaint against "John Doe" lists details of the suspect's DNA, which was collected in the investigation of a July 2007 burglary at a Lincoln gun shop. At least 10 guns were taken after a stolen vehicle rammed the front of the building.

The DNA profile, entered into a national database, has yielded no matches so far.

A new state law, effective July 15, requires a person convicted of a felony or other specified charges to submit a DNA sample.

Few would argue with the use of DNA to catch criminals, but civil libertarians worry that expanded use of the information can lead to abuse by law enforcement and business interests.

Employers and insurance companies, for example, must not be given free rein to use genetic material to their own benefit at the expense of their employees and customers.

We must be vigilant that DNA, like all personal information, is protected from abuse.

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West Nile virus appearing again

We've heard a few call-in complaints about the city's mosquito spraying, but a Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services report that a few new cases of West Nile virus this year makes a good case for continuing the program.

Red Willow, Douglas, Lincoln and Cherry counties have found mosquitoes infected with the virus.

While four out of five people who become infected will have no symptoms, about 1 in 150 people -- especially those over 50 and those with compromised immune systems -- develop a more severe form of the disease.

That could range of headaches to high fevers to coma, paralysis and death.

HHS reminds Nebraskans of these tips for avoiding mosquito bites:

use a mosquito repellent containing DEET or other active ingredient.

Wear a long-sleeved shirt, pants and socks.

Avoid going out at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.

Eliminate standing water, a prime location for mosquitoes to breed.

And give the mosquito truck crews a friendly wave next time you see them.

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One last chance to stand and be counted

Residents have one last chance to stand up and be counted in the 2010 census.

If you think you were not counted in the 2010 census, today is your last day to let the Census Bureau know by calling (866) 872-6868 and complete a questionnaire via phone.

Preliminary figures released in the spring showed the return rate of census forms in Nebraska was 76 percent, compared to 72 percent nationally.

In the fall, the Census Bureau will release final mail-return rates after census workers double-check the occupancy status of all households that didn't return a form.