West Nile Virus

FILE - In this Monday, Aug. 26, 2019 file photo, a municipal biologist examines a mosquito in Salt Lake City. A state epidemiologist says Louisiana is likely to have a below-average number of West Nile virus this year. But Julius Tonzel says people still need to keep up their guard against mosquitoes, which carry the virus. A case in New Orleans is among six around the state — and among five involving the brain or nervous system. That compares to one “neuroinvasive” case at roughly this time last year and six in 2019. There were 14 such cases in all of 2020, and 11 in 2019. The worst year was 2002, when there were 204. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)

 Rick Bowmer

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- For the second time this season, the Indiana Department of Health identified a pool of mosquitoes infected with the West Nile virus. 

The positive mosquito sample was collected the week of July 20 by Floyd County Health Department employee during routine county-wide mosquito sampling, according to a news release. 

Another pool of mosquitoes collected a week earlier, on July 13, also tested positive for West Nile. So far, no humans have testified positive for the virus.

Most people who become infected with the West Nile virus will recover and experience mild symptoms like fever, headache and body aches before recovering fully.

In some individuals, however — especially the elderly and immune compromised — the virus can cause serious illness and even death. Experts recommend wearing repellents with DEET, long pants and long sleeves. Also, avoid the outdoors during dusk and in the early morning hours, when mosquitos are most active.

Homeowners should also be aware of their property and correct common sources of mosquito breeding sites, including clogged gutters, old tires, failing septic systems, abandoned/nonfunctional swimming pools, and other water containing items where mosquitoes can breed.

It's also important to about maintain overgrown grass, shrubs, and trees that can harbor mosquitoes during the day.

For more information on Floyd County’s West Nile Virus surveillance program or to have a mosquito trap placed at your property, please call 812-948-4726, option 2, and then option 1 to speak to an Environmentalist or CLICK HERE.

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