Nebraska reported a nation-high of 245 West Nile cases in humans in 2018. That included 11 deaths.

A wet spring in Eastern Nebraska has officials taking steps to control mosquito populations that carry the West Nile virus. The Douglas County Health Department said it's using mosquito larvicide in potential breeding sites or stagnant waterways to help curb the spread of the virus. "The mosquito goes through metamorphose. It lays its eggs near water or in water, the larvae hatch getting rid of any container that can hold water is a preventative measure," said Purdue University insect diagnostician Dr. Timothy Gibb. The department also has begun collecting dead birds to test them for West Nile. Nebraska reported a nation-high of 245 West Nile cases in humans in 2018. That included 11 deaths.

A wet spring in Eastern Nebraska has officials taking steps to control mosquito populations that carry the West Nile virus.

The Douglas County Health Department said it's using mosquito larvicide in potential breeding sites or stagnant waterways to help curb the spread of the virus.


"The mosquito goes through metamorphose. It lays its eggs near water or in water, the larvae hatch getting rid of any container that can hold water is a preventative measure," said Purdue University insect diagnostician Dr. Timothy Gibb.

The department also has begun collecting dead birds to test them for West Nile.

Nebraska reported a nation-high of 245 West Nile cases in humans in 2018. That included 11 deaths.