CDHD reports human West Nile virus

The Central District Health Department has reported a probable case of human West Nile virus.

The victim is a Merrick County resident, a man between the ages of 26 and 60, according to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.

The case reported on Tuesday meets criteria for the West Nile virus, but follow-up tests for confirmation will be done in the next few weeks.

The Central District's announcement marks the first case of the season -- and comes unusually early in the season.

The case heralds an early onset for West Nile, but it is not unexpected, said Jeremy Collinson, CDHD environmental health supervisor.

The virus is usually a problem in late summer and early fall, making this an alarming case, he said. The early appearance is largely due to recent and continuing wet weather.

"We want to get the word out, let people know now is the time to get ready," Collinson said.

According to the DHHS, the first mosquitoes to test positive for West Nile have been found in Dawes, Dawson, Lancaster and Holt counties in Nebraska

In the Central District, which serves citizens of Hall, Hamilton and Merrick counties, mosquito trapping in recent weeks has shown a small number of mosquitoes capable of spreading the virus.

However, Collinson said, the wet summer weather contributes to a larger mosquito population in general.

"We are entering the West Nile danger period earlier than in past years, and precautions should be taken now and throughout the summer into early fall," he said. "Most mosquito populations will not reach peak numbers until the end of the summer."

Four deaths and 163 cases of West Nile were reported last year. The previous year, 255 human cases of the disease were reported, with 188 in 2005, 57 in 2004, 2,366 in 2003 and 174 in 2002.

Mosquitos pass the virus to humans after contracting it by feeding on infected birds.

One dead bird has tested positive -- a blue jay found in Stanton County, according to the DHHS. Dead birds are tested to determine the level of virus in the environment.

To reduce the risk of exposure, Collinson said, he urges people to be cautious.

Avoid being outdoors during dawn and dusk, when mosquitos are most active, and wear long-sleeve shirts, long pants, shoes and socks, he said. Mosquito repellent with the active ingredient DEET should also be used.

Removing standing water, such as in tires or plastic containers, helps to eliminate mosquito breeding sites.