Indianapolis, Ind. — Indiana state health officials say the first cases of West Nile virus have been reported. As of June 14, two cases have been reported in Hamilton and Lake counties and mosquitoes in Tippecanoe and Morgan counties have tested positive for the virus.
“Unfortunately, West Nile disease is a common occurrence in Indiana during mosquito season,” said State Health Commissioner Jerome Adams, M.D., M.P.H. “When we find evidence of the virus in multiple counties, that means the risk is starting to increase statewide. Protecting yourself from mosquito bites and eliminating breeding grounds are the best ways to prevent mosquito-borne illnesses.”
Health officials encourage residents to take the following preventive measures:
- Avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are active (especially late afternoon, dusk to dawn and early morning).
- Apply an EPA-registered insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus or para-menthane-diol to clothes and exposed skin.
- Cover exposed skin by wearing a hat, long sleeves and long pants in places where mosquitoes are especially active, such as wooded areas.
- Install or repair screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out of the home.
Mosquitoes breed in standing water so it’s important to eliminate ANY standing water on your property. Discard old tires, cans, pots or anything that can hold water, repair failing septic systems, make recycling and trash containers do not hold water, keep gutters clean, don’t let pet water stagnate, change ornamental fountains periodically and aerate ornamental polls or stick them with predatory fish.
The symptoms of West Nile virus are headache, fever, body aches, swollen lymph glands or rash. More severe forms of the infection can affect the nervous system causing inflammation in the brain and spinal cord that could result in paralysis or death.
