LINCOLN- A human case of the West Nile Virus was confirmed Monday in the Lincoln area, according to the Three Rivers Public Health Department. The person who tested positive did not need to be hospitalized, according to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. The department covers Dodge, Saunders, and Washington counties.

The department said people should limit their time outdoors at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active to avoid bites. People can also wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, shoes and socks when outside and use an EPA-registered insect repellent. Most people who are infected will have no symptoms or mild flu-like symptoms, according to the department.

West Nile virus is transmitted through mosquito bites from bugs that have fed on infected birds, then transmitting the virus to humans. This case was detected earlier than usual in the season. Typically, human cases don’t peak until late July or early August. Because of the early case, the health department began trapping mosquitoes within its jurisdiction Monday, a step it doesn’t usually take until mid-June.

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