West Nile Confirmed In Four Area Counties

COLUMBUS- West Nile Virus has been detected in Boone, Colfax, Nance, and Platte Counties.

According to the East Central District Health Department, the report comes from routine mosquito trapping for west nile monitoring in sites around Columbus that had a mosquito pool test positive. There have been no confirmed human cases within the East Central District service area. Residents in Boone, Colfax, Nance, and Platte Counties are advised to take steps to avoid mosquito exposure especially residents over 60 years of age, children, and those with weaker immune systems. You can reduce the risk of west nile by using repellent and wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants to prevent mosquito bites.

According to the health department, about 1 in 5 people who are infected develop a fever and other symptoms.