Health leaders brace for what could be the worst outbreak of West Nile disease in nearly a decade.
This week, the first positive *human* west Nile case was verified in Scotts Bluff County.
A mild winter, early spring and very hot summer have fostered breeding of the mosquitoes that spread the virus to people.
Scotts Bluff County Health Director Bill Wineman says peak activity time is around dawn and dusk. He says people should practice caution.
"Long sleeves, long pants- as much we all hate to think about wearing them when it's 100 degrees outside- are still one of the best defenses," explains Wineman. "So repellent, avoid those peak activity times if you can. If you can't be more careful and wear protective clothing when you can."
The Center for Disease and Control says the 241 cases of serious illnesses reported this year is the most since 2004.
