Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services
LINCOLN – North Central District Health Department (NCDHD), in coordination with Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), has confirmed the first human case of West Nile virus (WNV) in Nebraska for the 2026 season. The case was identified within the North Central District Health Department jurisdiction.
DHHS and NCDHD are urging Nebraskans to take precautions to protect themselves and their families from mosquito bites as WNV activity increases during the summer months.
WNV is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the United States, and Nebraska has historically experienced higher levels of WNV activity than
many other states. The virus is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito that acquired the virus after feeding on an infected bird. WNV is not spread directly from sick or dead birds to humans and people cannot get the virus from sick or dead birds.
"Since there is no vaccine or specific medicine to treat West Nile virus, it is important for Nebraskans to take preventive steps to reduce their risk of mosquito-borne illness and enjoy their summer safely,” said Dr. Sydney Stein, DHHS State Epidemiologist.
People can reduce their risk by: — using a repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, lemon eucalyptus oil, or IR3535.
— wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, shoes, and socks when outside. — taking extra precautions when going outdoors at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
— draining standing water around your home. Empty and change the water in bird baths, fountains, wading pools, rain barrels, and potted trays at least once a week, if not more often.
— irrigating lawns and gardens carefully to prevent water from standing for several days.
— making sure window and door screens are “bug tight” and repair or replace torn screens.
Most people infected with West Nile virus experience no symptoms or only mild flu-like illness. However, fewer than 1% of infected individuals develop severe disease. Adults over age 50 and people with weakened immune systems are at greater risk for serious illness and complications.
Additional information can be found on the DHHS website at: https://dhhs. ne.gov/pages/west-nile-virus.aspx.
