South Heartland District Health Department

More Adams County Mosquitoes Test Positive for West Nile Virus

August 13, 2026

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Hastings, Nebraska – South Heartland District Health Department (SHDHD) executive director Michele Bever reported that two samples of mosquitoes collected on August 4, 2026 in Adams County, have tested positive for West Nile virus. The department had previously reported West Nile-positive mosquitoes trapped on July 21, 2026, in Adams County.

West Nile virus can be spread to people by infected mosquitoes. Initial symptoms of West Nile illness typically occur 2-14 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. These symptoms can include fever, headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, fatigue, and sometimes rash. While uncommon, the viral infection can also result in neuroinvasive diseases, such as infection of the brain (encephalitis) or the lining around the brain and spinal cord (meningitis), and can result in hospitalization, long-term symptoms, or death.

There are no vaccines to prevent or medicines to treat West Nile illness in humans. “You can reduce your risk of becoming infected with West Nile virus by reducing your exposure to mosquito bites.” Bever said. “’Fight the bite’ by using an EPA-registered repellent and wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants, especially when you are outdoors between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active,” she said.

Horses can also acquire West Nile virus from infected mosquitoes. WNV infection leads to neurologic signs, such as lack of coordination, weakness, seizures, paralysis, and in severe cases, death. Fortunately, vaccines are available to protect horses against mosquito-borne illnesses, according to veterinarian Erin Jobman, DVM, who serves on SHDHD's Board of Health. She encourages owners to consult with their local veterinarian to ensure their horses are current with recommended vaccinations.

To reduce sites for mosquitoes to breed, the health department recommends draining standing water every few days. Items or surfaces that collect or hold water, such as bird baths, child swimming pools, pet bowls, tires, or flower pots can become mosquito breeding sites if not drained periodically.

Jeff Hassenstab, Director of Parks & Recreation with the City of Hastings, reported that the city of Hastings has been providing on-going mosquito control efforts since early July and will continue these efforts in and around parks, schools and roadways, in the evening and early morning time frames, when weather allows. The City’s larvicide treatments of standing water are also helping to control the mosquito population.

Nebraska local health departments partner with the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (NDHHs S) and the Nebraska Public Health Lab to trap and test mosquitoes in the counties designated by NDHHS. Adams County is the designated trapping county in the South Heartland health district, which includes Adams, Clay, Nuckolls and Webster counties. Trapping occurs every other week, typically ending in late September. For more information, visit southheartlandhealth.ne.gov or call 1-877-238-7595; or visit the NDHHS webpage for West Nile Virus & Mosquito Surveillance Data: dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/West-Nile-VirusData.aspx.

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