Cache Valley virus has been detected in mosquitoes in Lancaster County, local health officials said Friday.
The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department said it found the virus in mosquitoes collected in the county, but there have been no reports of transmission to humans.
Cache Valley virus is a mosquito-borne illness that is endemic to the U.S. Human disease is rare, according to the Health Department, with fewer than 10 cases ever reported nationally.
But in humans who are infected, it can cause encephalitis and meningitis and lead to long-term health effects or even death.
There are no vaccines or medications for the virus. Symptoms can include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue and a rash. Severe symptoms include a stiff neck, confusion, loss of coordination, difficulty speaking or seizures.
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While uncommon, the Health Department said it is important to avoid mosquito bites by using insect repellent when spending time outside, such as those with DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, or 2-undecanone. Other precautions include limiting time outdoors at dusk and dawn when mosquitos are most active and wearing long-sleeved shirts, pants, shoes and socks when outside.
Earlier this month, Lancaster County reported its first human case of another virus, West Nile, of the year. The Health Department reported the case Sept. 8 and also found West Nile virus in local mosquitoes.
West Nile virus is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito that carries the disease after feeding on an infected bird.
As of Sept. 2, there have been 577 human cases of the virus across the country in 37 states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Contact the writer at zhammack@journalstar.com or 402-473-7225. On X @HammackLJS
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