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Douglas County has its first West Nile Virus case of the season

Douglas County has its first human case of West Nile Virus this season.

The Douglas County Health Department says a woman over 50 years old is the county’s first case. She had underlying medical conditions and was hospitalized. The woman has since been released.

West Nile Virus is spread by the bite of infected mosquitoes. Many people who get West Nile Virus have no symptoms, or mild flu-like ones. People age 50 and older, and those with compromised immune systems, are more likely to become seriously ill.

You can protect yourself from West Nile Virus by removing areas of standing water near your home. You should also use a mosquito repellant that contains DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.