Platte Co. reports 4 W. Nile cases

COLUMBUS - Four more confirmed cases of West Nile virus have been reported in Platte County, for a total of five so far this year. Last year, only one confirmed case was reported.

Details on the ages of the patients and the degrees of seriousness of their illnesses are unavailable at this time.

Other area counties reporting cases include Boone and Polk, each with two, and Nance with one.

Butler, Merrick and Colfax counties have not had any reported cases of the disease.

"It is very important that everyone understands that the risk of transmission of West Nile virus has not passed and that everyone needs to be using precautions such as DEET to prevent West Nile fever and the more serious and life threatening West Nile encephalitis," said Rebecca Rayman, executive director of the East Central District Health Department in Columbus.

"This is especially true for people over 50 and those with weak immune systems who are especially vulnerable to the disease."

The virus is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito that has picked up the virus by feeding on an infected bird.

Most people who are infected by a mosquito have no symptoms or only mild flu-like symptoms. Less than one out of 100 people who are bitten by an infected mosquito and become infected get seriously ill.

West Nile fever produces flu-like symptoms such as fever and muscle weakness. Symptoms of West Nile encephalitis include inflammation of the brain, disorientation, convulsions and paralysis that can lead to death.

Last year, there were 54 cases of the virus reported in the state, with no deaths. In 2003, there were 2,366 cases, with 29 deaths.

In 2002, the first year that the virus appeared in the state, Nebraska had 174 cases and eight deaths.

More information on West Nile virus can be found on the Nebraska Health and Human Services Web site at www.hhs.state.ne.us/wnv.