West Nile Virus has been detected in a mosquito pool in Dawson County, according to the Two Rivers Public Health Department. The detection marks the first known case in the district this season, which covers seven counties including Buffalo, Franklin, Gosper, Kearney, Harlan, and Phelps.
Health officials also confirmed one equine case of West Nile Virus within the district. The virus is primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito.
Most people who contract the virus don’t show any symptoms. However, about one in five may experience fever, along with headache, body aches, vomiting, diarrhea, or a rash. Serious complications are rare, occurring in less than one percent of cases, but fatigue and weakness can sometimes linger for weeks or even months.
So far, there have been no confirmed human cases of West Nile Virus in the Two Rivers district this year.
Residents are urged to take preventive measures such as wearing long sleeves and pants, using EPA-approved insect repellents, and eliminating sources of standing water to reduce mosquito breeding grounds. There is currently no vaccine available for West Nile Virus in humans.
For more information, you can contact Two Rivers Public Health during regular business hours, 8 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday, at 888-669-7154.
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