06/19/2026
Mosquitoes in the Lincoln, NE area have tested positive for West Nile Virus. WNV is transmitted to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. Most people who become infected with the virus don’t feel sick. About one in five will develop a fever with other symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea or rash. Most people with this type of WNV recover completely, but fatigue and weakness can last for weeks or months. Less than 1% of people infected will develop a serious illness like encephalitis or meningitis (inflammation of the brain or surrounding tissues).
Protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites over the upcoming holiday weekends and throughout the summer by taking the following precautions:
- Use an EPA-registered insect repellent when spending time outside such as those with DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane diol, or 2-undecanone. More information on repellents is available at https://ow.ly/gqrb50ZeG8N.
- Limit time outdoors at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, shoes and socks when outside.
- Reduce mosquito breeding areas around your home by eliminating areas of still, untreated water.
