Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

West Nile Virus cases on the rise in Nebraska

There are now 29 reported cases of West Nile Virus in Nebraska, including four in Douglas County.

A Douglas County man over age 65 died earlier this week after contracting the mosquito-borne illness while traveling in Texas. Douglas County Health Department Resource Director Phil Rooney says the threat of West Nile Virus will continue in to the fall, until after the first frost.

Rooney says you can protect yourself from West Nile Virus by using an insect repellent containing DEET, wearing long pants and long-sleeve shirts when outside, and eliminating pools of standing water.

People over 50 and those with compromised immune systems are most at risk of becoming seriously ill from West Nile Virus. It’s transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito.

Related Content