WISNER, Neb. – A mosquito pool has tested positive for West Nile virus in northeast Nebraska.

According to the Elkhorn Valley Public Health Department, the infected mosquito pool was collected from a trap in Cuming County on July 19 as part of the department’s ongoing mosquito surveillance efforts.

The department advises people to remove standing water, improve sanitation near water, and use insect repllents.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the West Nile virus is usually spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds. Infected mosquitoes then spread West Nile virus to people and other animals by biting them.

Cases of WNV occur during mosquito season, which starts in the summer and continues through fall. There are no vaccines to prevent the disease or medications to treat WNV in people. Most people infected with WNV do not feel sick.

About 1 in 5 people who are infected develop a fever and other symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea or rash. About 1 in 150 people who are infected develop a severe illness affecting the central nervous system such as encephalitis or meningitis.

Severe illness can occur in people of any age; however, people over 60 years of age are at greater risk for severe illness if they are infected. People with certain medical conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, and people who have received organ transplants, are also at greater risk.