Mosquitoes test positive for West Nile virus

NORFOLK, Neb. - Mosquitoes are leaving more than a bite and an itchy bump in Holt County. The North Central District Health Department is alerting the public that mosquitoes near O’Neill in Holt County have tested positive for West Nile Virus. 

The alert comes after mosquitoes in Scottsbluff recorded their first positives of West Nile virus last week. 

Officials say West Nile Virus is spread through mosquito bites and eight out of ten will not have any symptoms. Those who do experience symptoms might feel like they have the flu, headaches, body aches, nausea, or vomiting.

Officials recommend avoid being outside during dusk and dawn as that is the time they are most active, If you need to be outdoors, wear long sleeves and pants, use mosquito repellent, and dump out standing water around your home where mosquitoes can breed.