Experts: West Nile virus likely to hit Metro
We’re told that most people infected do not have symptoms, but one-in-five develop a fever and additional problems.
By News Channel Nebraska
The West Nile virus, which starts with a high fever and can get worse, is likely to be a problem in and around Omaha as summer kicks off this Memorial Day week-end.
According to the Douglas County Health Department, the virus—spread by mosquitoes—has already been spotted in the area, and the experts expect to see some cases before too long.
We’re told that most people infected do not have symptoms, but one-in-five develop that fever and additional problems.
About one-in-150 develop a serious, sometimes fatal, illness.
Here’s the main symptoms: High fever, headache, stiff neck, disorientation, tremors and a coma.
There are no vaccines to prevent or medications to treat the virus in people.
The problem mosquitoes are most active around dusk and dawn.
You can reduce your risk by using insect repellent and wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants to prevent mosquito bites.
Douglas County’s cases have ranged from a low of three in 2009 and 2015 to a record high 71 cases in 2018.