First Mosquito Pool positive for West Nile Virus reported in the District

Three Rivers Public Health Department has confirmed the district’s first positive West Nile virus mosquito pool in Saunders County. The positive result came from routine mosquito trapping and testing conducted this summer across Washington, Dodge and Saunders counties.

West Nile virus is spread when an infected mosquito bites a person after feeding on an infected bird. A person cannot contract West Nile virus from a dead bird. As there is no vaccine for West Nile virus, the best protection is to avoid mosquito bites.

Most infected people have no symptoms or only mild, flu‑like illness. Fewer than 1% develop severe disease, but the risk is higher for people over 50 and those with weakened immune systems. To learn more, visit threeriverspublichealth.org