By Alex Benzegala
Panhandle Post
The Panhandle Public Health District announced this week that the panhandle has seen a record number of mosquitos in the region this summer. PPHD Environmental Health Coordinator Melissa Haas explains that last year she didn't see her first positive until September, but this year due to rain the weather conditions have been perfect for mosquitos.
As of July 22nd, over 37,000 mosquitos have been collected in Nebraska, which is more than all of 2022. The Panhandle region is currently considered a very high West Nile virus risk, and Haas details some precautions for Panhandle Residents. "The biggest one is to use mosquito repellent, especially something that has DEET in it or picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus," Haas said.
Haas also mentioned that mosquitos are more active at dawn and dusk so avoiding going out at those times are an extra precautionary measure, along with wearing a long-sleeved shirt, pants and socks in wooded areas or areas of tall grass.
For more information on mosquitos or the West Nile virus, visit pphd.ne.gov or email Melissa [email protected].