Health officials detect West Nile virus in mosquitoes in Dawson County

KEARNEY, Neb.- Mosquitoes have tested positive for the West Nile virus in Central Nebraska.

According to the Two Rivers Public Health Department, mosquitoes collected in Dawson County have tested positive for the virus.

Officials are warning that the virus may cause fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes swollen lymph glands or a skin rash on the chest, stomach and back.  Some people might develop severe illness and may have a high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness, and paralysis. 

The symptoms may last a few days and should get treated by a doctor. 

The West Nile virus is typically detected in Nebraska during July and August. 

Health specialists recommend that people be cautious in the morning and evening, wear lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants, and to wear repellents.