The Three Rivers Public Health DepartmentÌýreported a West Nile virus death Wednesday, the second death reported by the department in less than a week.Ìý
Terra Uhing, executive director of the department, reported the first death of the year from the mosquito-borne virus on Monday.
Both individuals were older adults with underlying health conditions and both lived in counties served by theÌýThree Rivers Public Health Department, which includes Dodge, Saunders and Washington counties, according to a news release from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.
The state began its West Nile virus surveillance at the beginning of June. As of Wednesday, 26 mosquito pools had tested positive from 12 counties.
Most people exposed toÌýthe virus don’t get sick. About 20% become ill, and less than 1% experience serious illness that can lead to death. Those who are older or have underlying medical conditions or depressed immune systems are at higher risk of severe infections.