FREMONT, Neb. (AP) — Officials say the West Nile virus has been detected in Dodge County for the first time this year. The Three Rivers Public Health Department is monitoring the situation with tests in Dodge, Washington and Saunders counties.

The virus is transmitted to humans through mosquitoes which acquire the virus by feeding on infected birds. Most people who are infected have no symptoms or only mild flu-like symptoms. Roughly one out of 150 people infected with the virus become severely ill. People with weakened immune systems are especially vulnerable.

People can lower their risk by using insect repellant, wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants, removing standing water where mosquitoes breed and taking extra care when going outdoors at dawn or dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.