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Human case of West Nile virus confirmed in Lancaster County

mosquitoeLINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Health officials have confirmed a human case of the mosquito-borne West Nile virus in Lancaster County.

Officials say the sickened man likely contracted the virus somewhere else. Earlier this month, a human case of the virus was reported in Scotts Bluff County in western Nebraska.

Experts say most people who are infected have no symptoms or experience only mild, flu-like symptoms. The most vulnerable people are those who are at least 50 or have weakened immune systems.

The virus is transmitted to humans through mosquitoes, which acquire the virus by feeding on infected birds.

Nebraska reported 68 human cases of West Nile virus and two deaths last year. In 2014, eight deaths were blamed on West Nile virus.

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