Be vigilant during mosquito season

June officially brings the start of summer and the beginning of mosquito season, according to Melissa Cervantes, Environmental Health Coordinator and Assistant Worksite Wellness Coordinator at the Panhandle Public Health District (PPHD).

With the beginning of mosquito season, PPHD has once again begun West Nile Virus (WNV) surveillance activities to monitor the presence of the virus in the Panhandle through mosquito trapping and bird collection.

Most people who contract the virus are infected through the bite of a mosquito that became infected from feeding on a bird with the disease. PPHD strongly encourages all Panhandle residents to report a dead bird if it has appeared to die from unknown causes.

“We just started the WNV season as of June 1, and so far I haven’t had any calls to PPHD with a viable bird that I could send in for testing,” explained Cervantes, “We are specifically looking for Corvid types of birds such as the American crow, blue jays, and magpies, they are the only species known (so far) to consistently test for West Nile Virus. We have been conducting mosquito trapping around the area, not specifically Kimball County but there is testing done in Scottsbluff, and we are now in our third week and so far have not received notice of a positive pool of mosquitoes carrying West Nile.”

Cervantes added that the nurses in the Scottsbluff area are supposed to be informed first from any hospital if they suspect they have a case of West Nile so it can be properly reported.

“As of right now, we have not had any reports,” she said.

In 2015, 68 Nebraska residents tested positive for West Nile Virus, with seven to nine of those in the Panhandle, according to Cervantes’ West Nile statistics.

Dead birds in the state that were reported totaled 181 with 12 of those actually tested for the virus last year and of the twelve tested just two tested positive for West Nile. None of the diseased foul were found in the Panhandle.

Of the 3,717 mosquito pools tested in 2015 there were 103 positive results, with nine in Dawes County, 24 in Sheridan County, five in Garden County, 17 in Scotts Bluff County and no positive results in Kimball County.

There are certain qualifications a bird must meet to be sent in for testing. A bird found should be fresh, meaning it cannot be deceased for more than 24 hours. It also should have no bite marks, lost limbs, or bullet fragments, birds must be in good condition to be sent in for testing. Common birds such as the morning dove, robin, or sparrow are not testable species. Residents should look for Corvid species of birds. This includes the American crow, black-billed magpie, and blue jay.

“Any bird that tests positive or any mosquito pool that tests positive,” submitted Cervantes, “I will be informed of immediately, and will then issue a news release. Any news release I send out is sent to the entire Panhandle, so keep an eye out!”

Although surveillance efforts are taking place, Panhandle residents are urged to exercise caution when outdoors.

To avoid mosquito bites, PPHD recommends applying mosquito repellent containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Wearing long-sleeved shirt, pants and socks and avoiding going out at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active are also recommended. Citizens are urged to eliminate standing water where mosquitos breed or use a larvicide containing Bacillus thuringiensis in standing water that is not easily drained, and keep window screens in good repair.

West Nile Virus symptoms mirror flu symptoms, such as fever and muscle weakness. Additional symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, swollen lymph glands and a rash on the chest, stomach or back.

Those over the age of 50 or with weakened immune systems are most vulnerable to the disease and are more likely to experience serious consequences.

West Nile Virus can have deadly effects on horses. Horse owners, especially kids with 4-H projects, are encouraged to keep their horses up-to-date on their vaccines and ask for the West Nile Virus vaccine specifically. Horses that contract West Nile will exhibit symptoms such as weakness of hind limbs, head pressing, wandering, and convulsions.

To report a dead bird or to request further information on West Nile Virus, please visit http://www.pphd.org or call 308-487-3600 x108 or toll free 866-701-7173.