New West Nile cases reported
Posted: Friday, September 23, 2005
LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) -- Thirty-nine new human cases of West Nile virus have been reported in 37 counties in Nebraska, according to a report released by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services on Thursday.
That brings the number of human cases up to 108 so far in 2005, twice the reported total for all of last year.
The only reported West Nile death so far this year was that of a Panhandle man in mid-August, the state said.
There were no deaths from the virus last year, but 29 people died from West Nile in 2003, when there were 2,366 reported cases.
The cases reported this year included people ranging from 5 to 94 years of age.
Additionally, 72 birds from 28 counties have tested positive for the virus. Mosquito collections in 19 counties have come up positive for the virus.
West Nile virus spreads when mosquitoes feed on infected birds. The insects can then transmit the virus to humans.
Virus infections typically peak in late August and early September.
Most people who are infected demonstrate no symptoms or have only mild, flulike symptoms. Less than one out of 100 people who are infected become seriously ill.
People can guard against West Nile by wearing insect repellent, staying indoors at peak times for mosquitoes at dusk and sunset, wearing long-sleeved clothing and eliminating standing water where mosquitoes breed.
That brings the number of human cases up to 108 so far in 2005, twice the reported total for all of last year.
The only reported West Nile death so far this year was that of a Panhandle man in mid-August, the state said.
There were no deaths from the virus last year, but 29 people died from West Nile in 2003, when there were 2,366 reported cases.
The cases reported this year included people ranging from 5 to 94 years of age.
Additionally, 72 birds from 28 counties have tested positive for the virus. Mosquito collections in 19 counties have come up positive for the virus.
West Nile virus spreads when mosquitoes feed on infected birds. The insects can then transmit the virus to humans.
Virus infections typically peak in late August and early September.
Most people who are infected demonstrate no symptoms or have only mild, flulike symptoms. Less than one out of 100 people who are infected become seriously ill.
People can guard against West Nile by wearing insect repellent, staying indoors at peak times for mosquitoes at dusk and sunset, wearing long-sleeved clothing and eliminating standing water where mosquitoes breed.
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