(AP) — Health officials in northwest Nebraska say they’ve found West Nile Virus in a dead bird from Box Butte County, a sign the disease is still present in the area.

It’s the first infected bird found in Nebraska this year.

West Nile is passed through the bite of a mosquito that has picked up the virus by feeding on an infected bird.

Panhandle Public Health District Environmental Health Coordinator Tabi Prochazka says it means the virus continues to pose a risk.

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services says 22 human cases of West Nile Virus are confirmed in Nebraska this year.

Prochazka says use of mosquito repellant, long-sleeved shirts, long pants, shoes and socks when going outdoors at dawn and dusk help.

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