Aug 11

Written by: ngreditor
8/11/2010 2:44 PM 

West Nile virus detected in Norfolk mosquitoes

As the summer progresses, the reminders increase: take precautions against mosquitoes at this time of the year.

This is especially true now. City officials have confirmed that the West Nile virus has been found in mosquitoes in Norfolk.

The insects were caught in a monitoring trap on July 14 according to health official John Kouba.

The virus can be transmitted to humans by mosquito bite. Precautions include staying inside during the hours when mosquitoes are most active (sunrise and sunset), using insect repellent whenever outdoors, draining standing water in yards, and fixing screens and doors to prevent insects entering into houses.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, most people infected (about 80%) experience no symptom. About 20% of those infected experience stronger symptoms such as fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, and swollen lymph glands or a rash. These usually last only a few days, although some experience these symptoms for weeks.

About 1 in 150 people infected develop stronger symptoms such as high fever, neck stiffness, disorientation, numbness, coma, or paralysis. These last for weeks, with sometimes permanent neurological damage.

Symptoms appear anywhere from three to fourteen days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Anyone experiencing any of these symptoms should contact their doctor.

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services reports that to date there have been only three human cases in Nebraska, in Scottsbluff, Lancaster and Colfax counties. All three reported fever, and two had to be hospitalized.

The Department also reports that 16 mosquito testing sites have reported positive out of 1,736 across the state.

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