More mosquitos test positive for West Nile

McCOOK, Neb. — Mosquitos in Red Willow County have tested positive West Nile Virus for the second time this summer according to Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department. This follows confirmed positive mosquitos found in Chase County two weeks ago.

“West Nile Virus is transmitted to humans by mosquitos. It is important to continue prevention even during the cooler weather,” said Melissa Propp, RN, Surveillance Nurse at SWNPHD. “Use insect repellent which includes at least 30% DEET,” states Propp “DEET in repellent is the most effective prevention to getting bitten by a mosquito.”

Additional tips will help prevent mosquito bites:

— Wear shoes, socks, long sleeve shirts and pants when mosquitos are most active.

— Install/repair window and door screens.

— Empty standing water from containers such as gutters, buckets, pool covers, tires.

— Aerate ponds or stock them with fish.

— Use larvicide such as mosquito dunks for water that cannot be drained

Mosquitos rest in dark, humid areas and typically lay their eggs near bodies of water. The use of larvicide to treat water is one method to reduce mosquitoes. Outdoor flying insect repellent may also be utilized to reduce the number of mosquitoes.

More information on West Nile Virus may be found at the website www.swhealth.ne.gov. Or call the McCook office at 308-345-4223, Imperial office at 308-882-4269. Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department is located at 404 West 10th Street – one block north of Arby’s in McCook or 501 Broadway – south entrance in Imperial.

Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department serves Chase, Dundy, Frontier, Furnas, Hayes, Hitchcock, Keith, Perkins and Red Willow counties. You may also follow SWNPHD on Facebook and Twitter.