West Nile discovered in panhandle mosquitoes

It is summer and West Nile virus is back for a visit.

Mosquitoes in the panhandle area have recently tested positive for the dangerous virus. Officials with the Panhandle Public Health District caught and tested mosquitoes in Dawes, Garden and Scotts Bluff counties.

Mosquitoes that tested positive for West Nile were culled from Garden and Scotts Bluff.

“Finding the virus in mosquitoes gives public health officials an indication of the level of virus in the area and the risk to human beings of contracting the disease,” said Tabi Prochazka, Environmental Health Coordinator for PPHD in a public statement.

West Nile can cause symptoms similar to the flu like fever and muscle weakness. The virus can also incite more severe reactions like encephalitis. Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain which can cause disorientation, convulsions and paralysis. Those who have a compromised immune system or who are older than 50 can be more susceptible to the disease and its effects.

In 2012, there were 193 confirmed human cases of West Nile in the state of Nebraska, Prochazka said. About 30 to 35 of these cases were in the panhandle area. Four deaths were reported in the state. There have been no cases reported in the panhandle area this year, she continued.

"We'll start seeing them from here on out," Prochazka said.

Cases usually stop popping up when mosquitoes die. This normally happens after the first freeze, in September.

A certain genus of mosquito, called the Culex mosquito carries the virus. These are very common in Nebraska. Culex mosquitoes breed in floodwaters and permanent bodies of water, according to the University of Nebraska at Lincoln Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

"West Nile is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito that has picked up the virus by feeding on an infected bird,” Prochazka said.

Prochazka warns Panhandle residents to be aware and to take preventative steps to avoid the virus.

"I think they should use precaution to protect their families," she said.

Prochazka recommends some guidelines for citizens to protect themselves and their families. Use a mosquito repellant that contains DEET. Always cover as much of your body as possible when going outside. Wear long sleeves, long pants and shoes and socks. Be extra cautious when going outdoors at dawn and dusk, the time at which Culex mosquitoes are most active. Get rid of any standing water on your property. Put larvicide in all water troughs for animals. Make sure window screens don't have holes or tears where bugs can get in.

West Nile virus first appeared in the United States in 1999 and had spread across the country by 2003, according to the University of Nebraska at Lincoln Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Scientists and doctors think that more than 80 percent of those infected show no symptoms, so most cases are never reported.

From 2001 to 2009 about 1,100 reported deaths were caused by West Nile. Most of those who died were over 65 years of age, according to the institute.

PPHD is still collecting birds and mosquitoes for testing. This lets them know how much the disease has spread and how many birds and mosquitoes in the area are infected. The mosquitoes are tested in Chadron and the birds are tested in Lincoln. Both are analyzed in state laboratories.

Citizens may call 308-487-3600 ext 107 or toll free at 866-701-7173 ext 107 to report a dead bird that they think should be tested. PPHD only tests birds that have died in the last 24 hours with no signs of rotting.

The organization tests on all species of birds.