Statewide — As if worrying about a global pandemic isn’t enough, state health officials are urging Indiana residents to take steps to protect themselves from mosquito bites as West Nile virus activity is detected in mosquitoes in multiple locations around the state.
As of August 6, mosquitoes in Allen, Marion, and St. Joseph counties have tested positive for the West Nile virus. No human cases of West Nile virus disease have been detected in 2020; however, the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) expects to see increased West Nile activity throughout the state as the mosquito season progresses.
State health officials recommend 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.
