The Elkhorn Logan Valley Public Health Department (ELVPHD) is again working with the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services to conduct surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV). West Nile is transmitted when a mosquito feeds on an infected bird and then feeds on a human. Beginning in June, dead birds will be collected to submit to the lab for testing. Finding the virus in birds gives an indication to officials of the level of the virus in the area and the risk of humans getting the disease.
This year, only dead corvid species of birds will be submitted for testing. Corvid species include crows, bluejays, magpies and ravens. If you find a dead bird, and it is in good condition and has been dead less than 24 hours, please double bag the bird in plastic, freeze it, and call Elkhorn Logan Valley Public Health Department at 402-529-2233. ELVPHD will collect birds in the counties of Burt, Cuming, Madison and Stanton. Information that must be included with any reported or submitted bird includes: species of the bird, date the dead bird was found, location and the contact information of the person reporting the bird. Instructions will be given on what to do with the bird until an arrangement can be made for the bird to be collected.
Free mosquito dunks and DEET mosquito repellant wipes are available at ELVPHD offices in Norfolk, Wisner and Tekamah. Other locations include Burt, Cuming and Stanton County Extension offices also Battle Creek and Madison City offices while quantities last. Dunks can be added to standing water to kill mosquito larvae before they become adults. Dunks are harmless to fish and other animals, but should not be added to drinking water. DEET wipes can be used on skin to repel mosquitoes and prevent bites.
Mosquitoes can grow in standing water that lasts more than 4 days. To lower the mosquito population around your home and property:
- Get rid of or drain outside containers that can hold water.
- Clear thick bushes or shrubs and clean debris from around your home and ponds
- Remove all discarded tires on your property.
- Drill holes in the bottoms of recycling containers that are kept outdoors.
- Clean clogged roof gutters regularly (spring and fall)
- Turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use.
- Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs.
Call the Elkhorn Logan Valley Public Health Department with any questions or for more information at 402-529-2233.