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West Nile Virus

West Nile virus infects certain wild birds. The infected birds, especially crows, are known to get sick and die from the infection. Reporting of dead birds is a good way to check for West Nile virus activity in the environment to allow implementation of prevention and control measures to minimize the spread of the virus. 

Reporting a dead bird


If you suspect a bird (from the CORVID family) has died of West Nile Virus, you can report this to South Heartland District Health Department at (402) 462-6211.

Join The "SWAT TEAM" Against West Nile Virus


West Nile virus is a disease that can be transmitted to humans by mosquitoes. While it has been common in Africa, Asia and Middle East for decades, it first appeared in the U.S. in 1999 in New York. It has since traveled westward across the U.S.

In Nebraska, human cases of West Nile virus showed up in 2002, with 174 cases and 7 deaths. Human West Nile virus cases in Nebraska are as follows:

  • 2003          2,366 cases, 29 deaths.
  • 2004          54 cases, 0 deaths. 
  • 2005          241 cases, 5 deaths.     
  • 2006          311 cases, 2 deaths.   
  • 2007          163 cases, 4 deaths.
  • 2008          45 cases, 0 deaths.    
  • 2009          52 cases, 0 deaths.
  • 2010          39 cases, 2 deaths.   
  • 2011          29 cases, 0 deaths. 
  • 2012          193 cases, 4 deaths.  
  • 2013          226 cases, 5 deaths.  
  • 2014          142 cases, 8 deaths.
  • 2015          93 cases, 2 deaths.   
  • 2016          123 cases, 0 deaths.
  • 2017          63 cases,   2 deaths
  • 2018          288 cases, 11 deaths
  • 2019            32 cases, 0 death
  • 2020:        17 cases, 1 death
  • 2021:        125 cases, 8 deaths
  • 2022:         64 cases, 4 deaths

HOW THE VIRUS IS SPREAD:

The virus is carried long distances by infected birds and then spread locally by mosquitoes that bite these birds. The mosquitoes can then pass the virus to humans and animals, but primarily to birds and horses. There is a vaccine for horses. A human vaccine is being developed, but won't be available for several years. Dogs and cats can be infected, but rarely become ill and don't spread the virus.

DON'T BREED MOSQUITOES

Mosquitoes lay eggs in still water which hatch in seven to ten days. If standing water is eliminated, many mosquitoes will be kept from breeding in the first place.

Here are some effective things you can do:    

  • Remove standing water in ponds, ditches, gutters, flower pots, tires and cans.
         
  • Check unusual items that might contain water such as wheelbarrows, hubcaps, toys, garden equipment, pool covers and plastic sheeting. Turn these items upside down to prevent them from holding water
         
  • Drill drainage holes in tire swing
         
  • Stock ornamental ponds, fountains and livestock water tanks with fish that eat mosquito larvae to treat with BTI, a natural bacteria that kills larvae. These can be purchased at garden and home stores or feed and supply stores.

MOSQUITO PREVENTION:  

  • Dusk to Dawn - Stay indoors from dusk to dawn.These are the times when mosquitoes are most active.
         
  • Dress - Dress in pants and long sleeves when you are outside, especially in mosquito-infested areas.
         
  • DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide)- Apply insect repellent that contains DEET. Read and follow label instructions, especially when using on children. Spray both exposed skin and clothing with repellent.
         
  • Drain - Get rid of standing water in your yard and neighborhood. Old tires, flowerpots, clogged rain gutters, leaky pipes and faucets, birdbaths and wading pools are breeding sites for mosquitoes.

 

Data & Resources

Community Health Improvement

The Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) is developed from the Community Health Needs Assessment. Priority objectives are developed to address determined priority areas of need. Collaborative work groups (1) evaluate data and trends to (2) develop goals and strategies to (3) implement interventions.

To view South Heartland District's CHIP progress, click here.

How Healthy Are We?

Local Health Data from the South Heartland District Health Department provides health information for residents of Adams, Clay, Nuckolls, and Webster counties. Three survey reports provide information on health behaviors, chronic health conditions, and the use of preventive services. Click here for more information

Vaccination Program

The Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program helps immunize children whose parents or guardians cannot afford it. This helps ensure that all children have a better chance of receiving recommended immunizations on time. Vaccines available through the VFC Program are those recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). These vaccines protect babies, young children, and teens from 16 diseases.