It’s in the store. Back to everyone. That’s nice. Thank you, Luke. Now, for the first time this year, health officials have announced that a Nebraskan has died in the West Nile River. Health and Human Services has reported the first two deaths this year from the virus. KETV News Watch Seven’s Bill Shamelt Live Desk Bill. Rob. Julie DHHS didn’t give many details other than to say they were in central Nebraska. The West Nile River kills an average of about six people a year in Nebraska, according to the data. The number of infections per capita is higher than anywhere else in the country. This happens every summer. That’s something people need to be aware of. Dr. Mark Love, Coronavirus Sorry, West Nile first started showing up in Nebraska about 25 years ago. There is no vaccine or treatment for West Nile. Officials say a person’s immune system needs to function. Only about 1 in 5 people will actually develop symptoms, and only 1 in 150 people who become infected will actually become seriously ill. Signs of serious illness include high fever, stiff neck, disorientation, and stroke-like symptoms. It’s now late September, but the risk isn’t over yet. correct. The risks aren’t over yet. Confirmation of some cases typically continues until October. Again, the average frost time here in Nebraska, you know, is usually around the middle of October. And that’s where you’re really seeing a reduction in risk. No deaths were reported in Douglas County, but West Nile State is located here. To date, 67 cases have been detected across the state. Approximately half of patients require hospitalization. But again, medical officials say 80% of people infected with West Nile have no symptoms and don’t even know they have the disease.
Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services reports first West Nile virus death in 2024
The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services reported the first West Nile virus death in the state this year. Two people died in the central region of the state. DHHS noted that West Nile virus causes an average of six deaths per year in Nebraska. For the past 5 years. People of all ages can become infected with West Nile virus, but people over 50 or people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of developing severe symptoms. Signs and symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, rash, and swollen lymph glands. More severe symptoms include high fever, headache, stiff neck, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, and paralysis. There is no vaccine for this virus, but DHHS said there is approximately 1 in 1 vaccine. Five infected people are showing symptoms. The health department is encouraging the public to take precautions to avoid the virus. Click here for the latest headlines from KETV NewsWatch 7.
The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services reported the state’s first West Nile virus death this year.
Two people died in the central region of the state.
DHHS noted that over the past five years, West Nile virus has caused an average of six deaths per year.
Anyone of any age can become infected with West Nile virus, but people over 50 and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of developing severe symptoms.
Signs and symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, rash, and swollen lymph glands.
More serious signs include high fever, headache, stiff neck, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, and paralysis.
There is no vaccine for the virus, but DHHS said about 1 in 5 people who become infected will show symptoms.
The health department urges the public to take precautions to avoid the virus.
Click here for the latest headlines on KETV NewsWatch 7
