Newsroom > DHHS News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 29, 2008

Contact
Marla Augustine, Communications and Legislative Services, (402) 471-4047 or marla.augustine@dhhs.ne.gov

Lincoln—Three more cases of West Nile virus have been reported to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) this week, bringing the total cases so far this year to 13.

The new cases are residents of Butler, Douglas and Morrill counties. Previously reported cases have been residents of Adams (2), Cass, Douglas, Dodge, Keith, Merrick, Platte, Saunders, and York counties.

West Nile is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito that has picked up the virus by feeding on an infected bird. Late August is peak transmission time for West Nile.

To avoid mosquito bites, DHHS recommends:

• Applying mosquito repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535;
• Wearing long-sleeved shirt, pants and socks;
• Avoiding going out at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active; and

More information can be found on the DHHS Web site at www.dhhs.ne.gov

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