West Nile Virus cases now include Dodge, Saunders counties

Dodge and Saunders counties are among those reporting new cases of West Nile virus, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services stated in a press release Wednesday.

Five more cases of the virus were reported in the past week, bringing the total cases reported this year to 10.

Other new cases are residents of Adams, Cass and Platte counties. Previously reported cases have been residents of Adams, Douglas, Keith, Merrick and York counties.

Late August is peak transmission time for West Nile. The department expects to see an increase in reported cases, with the highest number occurring the first or second week in September.

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

To avoid mosquito bites, the department recommends:

n Applying mosquito repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535.

* Wearing long-sleeved shirt, pants and socks.

* Avoiding going out at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.

* Eliminating standing water to reduce mosquito breeding sites.

There were 163 cases of the disease reported in Nebraska last year. Prior to that, there were 264 human cases of the disease reported in 2007, 188 in 2005, 53 in 2004, 2,177 in 2003 and 174 in 2002. There were no cases prior to 2002.

Most people who are infected by a mosquito have no symptoms or only mild flu-like symptoms. Fewer than one out of 150 people who get bitten by an infected mosquito and become infected will get seriously ill. People older than 50 and those with weakened immune systems are especially vulnerable and are more likely to experience serious consequences.

West Nile fever includes flu-like symptoms such as fever and muscle weakness. Symptoms of the more serious West Nile encephalitis include inflammation of the brain, disorientation, convulsions and paralysis.

More information can be found at www.dhhs.ne.gov.