HASTINGS, Neb. – A new report from the South Heartland District Health Department shows that mosquitoes infected with West Nile Virus have made their way to Adams County.

According to a SHDHD news release, collections of Culex mosquitoes trapped in Adams County on July 29, 2025, tested positive for West Nile Virus.

The virus is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. 

Symptoms of West Nile illness are usually mild, including fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes swollen lymph glands or a skin rash. However, the symptoms may be more severe, sometimes causing permanent neurological damage, and may result in death.

“The best way for us to fight WNV is to avoid mosquito bites. Try not to be outside from dusk to dawn, when mosquitoes are most active," said SHDHD Executive Director Michele Bever. "We should protect ourselves from mosquito bites by wearing lightweight protective clothing and by using an EPA-registered insect repellent containing DEET, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus or Picaridin.” 

South Heartland works with the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (NDHHS) to trap and test mosquitoes in the counties designated by NDHHS (Adams County for this health district), then shares the results with the City of Hastings.

SHDHD also partners with the City of Hastings on the area’s mosquito surveillance program.

“The City of Hastings uses the information we receive from the health department to help make decisions about mosquito control efforts," said Hastings Parks & Recreation Director Jeff Hassenstab. "Residents should also take their own precautions against mosquito bites."

Bever and Hassenstab encourage residents to drain outdoor containers and other standing or stagnant water around their homes about once every week to disrupt the breeding cycle of mosquitoes.

This includes kid’s swimming pools, birdbaths, pet bowls, and other containers that can hold water.

For more information, visit www.southheartlandhealth.ne.gov or call 1-877-238-7595.