Lincoln Detects West Nile in Mosquito Pools as Nebraska Reports 1 Human Case in 2026

Q: Beyond repellent, what clothing choices can make you nearly invisible to mosquitoes?

The best clothing defense is loose, light-colored, full-coverage clothing made from tightly woven fabric, ideally treated with permethrin. Health officials already advise long sleeves and long pants, especially at dawn and dusk. The added detail from mosquito research is that fabric matters: tightly woven, non-stretch materials are harder for mosquitoes to bite through than thin, stretchy knits that press against the skin. Loose-fitting clothes help because mosquitoes can bite through fabric if it is tight against the body. Color also helps. Mosquitoes are generally more attracted to dark shades, so white or other light colors can make you less noticeable while also keeping you cooler in summer heat. For stronger protection, experts recommend permethrin-treated clothing and gear. Unlike skin repellents such as DEET or picaridin, permethrin is applied to fabric, where it repels or kills mosquitoes that land on it. Factory-treated clothing tends to last longer and perform better than home-treated items. No clothing makes a person literally invisible to mosquitoes, and exposed skin still needs repellent. But the closest approach is a combination of light-colored, loose, tightly woven long sleeves, long pants, socks and shoes, plus permethrin-treated clothing when possible.

3 articles · Updated · Rural Radio Network · Jun 22

Lincoln-Lancaster County health officials confirmed West Nile virus in mosquito pools in Lincoln, marking the virus’s detection in Nebraska’s capital area.
No human cases had been reported statewide as of late June in this local notice, and officials urged residents to cut exposure over the July 4 weekend by using EPA-registered repellent, covering skin and avoiding dusk and dawn.
About 1 in 5 infected people develop fever, headache, body aches or rash, while most others do not become sick; there is no human vaccine.
Nebraska DHHS separately confirmed the state’s first human West Nile case of 2026 in the North Central District and is tracking virus activity through the June 1-Sept. 30 season.