The West Nile Virus has made its first appearance of the year in the Panhandle, with 3 mosquito pools in Garden and Scotts Bluff counties recently testing positive.

The Scotts Bluff County Health Department tests mosquito pools there for the virus, while the Panhandle Public Health District monitors 18 pools in 3 counties in different parts of the Panhandle.

PPHD Environmental Health Coordinator Tabi Prochazka says this year’s first confirmed findings of infected pools came about a week earlier than last year, and she thinks mosquitoes may have been more active this year because the rains of recent weeks have made conditions wetter.

West Nile is transmitted to humans through the bite of a mosquito that has picked up the virus by feeding on an infected bird, so Prochazka says finding the virus in mosquitoes is an indication of the level of virus in the area and the risk to human beings of contracting the disease.

The PPHD monitors 18 mosquito pools in 3 counties in different parts of the Panhandle, with the Scotts Bluff County Health Department monitoring several other pools in that county.

Both agencies also accept dead birds for West Nile testing, and have expanded the program to include all species of birds. To qualify for testing, the birds must be brought in within 24 hours of death and have no evidence of maggots or rotting.

Prochazka says citizens in the PPHD may call 308-487-3600 ext 107 or toll free at 866-701-7173 to report a dead bird. Those in Scotts Bluff County may call the county agency at  (308) 436-6636.

West Nile Virus symptoms often mimic the flu with fever and muscle weakness, while symptoms of  the more serious West Nile Encephalitis include inflammation of the brain, disorientation, convulsions and paralysis. People over 50 and those with weakened immune systems are especially vulnerable to the disease.

Prochazka says the simplest and best way to prevent either West Nile disease is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes, adding that a few simple precautions can go a long way in offering protection.

Those include using a mosquito repellant that contains DEET and covering as much skin as possible wearing long pants, long-sleeved shirts, shoes and socks. She also recommends taking extra precautions when going outdoors at dawn and dusk, the times when mosquitoes are most active.

Environmental actions to reduce mosquito numbers also help, including getting rid of standing water, adding larvicides to animal drinking troughs, and keeping window screens in good repair.