A Douglas County man in his mid 60s has died after contracting West Nile Virus.The Douglas County Health Department says the man was hospitalized after contracting the mosquito-borne illness. He recently traveled to Texas before his illness.
Health Department officials say you can protect yourself against West Nile Virus by using a mosquito repellent that contains DEET or picaridin. Wear long pants and long sleeves when you’re outside, and remove any areas of standing water. Those can be breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
West Nile Virus is transmitted through mosquito bites. Mosquitoes contract the virus from infected birds. Most people who contract West Nile Virus have no symptoms, or only flu-like symptoms. People with compromised immune systems and those over 50 are at higher risk of becoming seriously ill.