By Alex Benzegala
Panhandle Post
The Panhandle Public Health District announced on Monday that they have confirmed their first West Nile Virus death for the 2023 season.
The name of the deceased individual has not been released, but the PPHD said in a statement that since 2002, there have been 101 reported deaths in Nebraska according to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (NDHHS).
Melissa Haas, Environmental Health Coordinator with PPHD says that there are certain precautions people should take.
“As school is back in session, we know people are excited for activities like football, but please be mindful that mosquitoes primarily feed at dawn and dusk so as Panhandle residents go to support their favorites athletes, it is particularly important to take important precautions." Haas said. "Put on bug spray until it freezes for the first time.”
Overall, in the Panhandle, mosquito trappers have sent in a total of 24,841 mosquitoes this season. This is 12 times the amount seen as compared to previous years.
PPHD and Scotts Bluff County Health Department are still currently testing mosquito samples for the virus. For more information on West Nile virus please visit www.pphd.org or call 308-487-3600 x108 or toll free 866-701-7173.