Sheridan Co. Mosquito pool tests positive for WNV

A mosquito pool from Sheridan County has recently tested positive for West Nile Virus. The Panhandle Public Health District says finding the virus in mosquito pools gives public health officials an indication of the level of virus in the area and the risk to humans of contracting the disease.

Scotts Bluff County Health Director Bill Wineman says he has not had any positive West Nile tests from local mosquito pools, but noted he should be getting new test results this week. The Scotts Bluff County Health Department is also accepting dead birds for testing the virus.

West Nile is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito that has picked up the virus from an infected bird. Residents are urged to take extra precautions when going out at dawn or dusk, get rid of standing water and use a mosquito repellant that contains DEET to avoid contracting the virus.

© 2013 Rural Radio Network. All rights reserved. Republishing, rebroadcasting, rewriting, redistributing prohibited. Copyright Information