Nebraska may have human West Nile virus case
Posted: Wednesday, July 23, 2008
GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (AP) -- Health officials say a likely case of West Nile virus has been found near Grand Island.
It may be the state's first case this year of the disease, which is spread by the bite of a mosquito that has fed on an infected bird.
State health officials haven't confirmed any cases yet this year. By this time last year, there were 10 cases.
The Central District Health Department says the case was reported Tuesday and meets criteria for the virus, but follow-up tests will be needed to confirm.
Last year, 146 human cases of the disease were reported in Nebraska, including three deaths.
Experts say that fewer than one out of 150 people who are bitten by an infected mosquito and becomes infected will get seriously ill.
On the Net:
Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, West Nile Virus Surveillance Program: http://www.dhhs.ne.gov/wnv
It may be the state's first case this year of the disease, which is spread by the bite of a mosquito that has fed on an infected bird.
State health officials haven't confirmed any cases yet this year. By this time last year, there were 10 cases.
The Central District Health Department says the case was reported Tuesday and meets criteria for the virus, but follow-up tests will be needed to confirm.
Last year, 146 human cases of the disease were reported in Nebraska, including three deaths.
Experts say that fewer than one out of 150 people who are bitten by an infected mosquito and becomes infected will get seriously ill.
On the Net:
Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, West Nile Virus Surveillance Program: http://www.dhhs.ne.gov/wnv
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