Nebraska's first West Nile death of the year reported in Lancaster County

A Lancaster County resident died after contracting West Nile virus, the first reported human death this year in the state.

The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department said the person was in their 60s.

A press release stated seven cases have been reported in Lancaster County this summer, with four requiring hospitalization. The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services reported 11 cases statewide as of Aug. 22.

DHHS said Nebraska has averaged six West Nile deaths per year over the last five years. The last death in Lancaster County from West Nile was in 2023.

West Nile is transmitted to people through the bite of an infected mosquito.

The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department is advising that mosquitoes are still active until around the first frost. The announcement comes as much of the state is experiencing an extended stretch of hot weather.

Nebraska DHHS said mosquito testing shows that West Nile virus activity continues to increase across Nebraska and is now considered very high statewide, especially in eastern and central Nebraska.

The following actions can be taken to avoid mosquito bites:

• Use an EPA-registered insect repellent when spending time outside such as those with DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, or 2-undecanone.
• Limit time outdoors at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, shoes, and socks when outside.

Most people who become infected with West Nile do not feel sick. About one in five will develop a fever with other symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea or rash. Less than 1% of people infected will develop a serious illness like encephalitis or meningitis (inflammation of the brain or surrounding tissues).

While it’s possible for anyone with West Nile to develop mild or severe illness, some people are at higher risk of severe illness including older adults, people with certain underlying medical conditions (like cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney disease) or people with weakened immune systems.

Steps to reduce mosquito breeding areas include:

• Dump small wading pools daily and maintain swimming pools properly.
• Clear debris, weeds and litter from drainage ways.
• Change water in birdbaths weekly and pet bowls daily.
• Store tires, buckets and containers where they can’t collect water.
• Fill in low spots in yards.
• Maintain garden ponds and fountains and always keep water flowing.