The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department has received a report of a human case of West Nile Virus in rural Lancaster County, the first in 2012.
No details have been released regarding the infected individual.
“Although it is not unusual to have mosquitoes infected with the West Nile Virus this time of year, the extremely hot weather over the last several months may significantly increase the risk,” said John Chess, water quality program supervisor. “Even though there are fewer mosquitoes than normal, they are more likely to have West Nile, so protecting yourself is very important.”
Humans can be infected with the West Nile Virus after being bitten by a mosquito carrying the virus. The public is encouraged to take steps to prevent bites by limiting time outdoors during dawn or dusk, wearing lightweight long-sleeved shirts and pants, using insect repellant containing DEET, Picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus and following label directions.
The Health Department is asking for the public to help reduce breeding areas for mosquitoes by eliminating standing pools of water. That includes clearing debris, weeds and litter from drainage ways, removing vegetation from sewage lagoons, storing containers where they cannot collect water and filling low spots in the yard.
