LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- After finding mosquitoes that tested positive for West Nile virus, health officials in southern Indiana are reminding the public to protect themselves and their homes.
The Floyd County Health Department is offering mosquito dunks for free after two pools of mosquitoes tested positive for West Nile, officials reported Thursday.
The dunks are a safe and effective way to control the insects. You put them in standing water, where mosquitoes lay their eggs, and they prevent the bugs from growing into biting adults.
The dunks can be broken into smaller pieces for smaller water containers or bodies of water. One dunk treats up to 100-square-feet of surface water, regardless of depth. They can be used in "various settings," including birdbaths, ponds, rain barrels, animal watering troughs and more.
They are also non-toxic to humans, pets, birds, fish and other wildlife, and last for about a month.
To get your free mosquito dunk, call the Floyd County Health Department at (812) 948-2208 and ask for an environmentalist.
A mosquito carrying West Nile was also confirmed by health officials in Clark County, Indiana, in June. They've also been reported in multiple Louisville neighborhoods, including the Highlands area and Tyler Park.
Health officials are continuing to track an increase in cases across several states. As of Monday, 98 human cases had been reported in at least 23 states so far this year, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC reports one of those cases is in Indiana, while there are currently zero in Kentucky.
In most cases, people infected with the virus have mild to no symptoms. Less than 1% of infected people have gotten a serious neurologic illness like encephalitis or meningitis. People over the age of 60 and those with medical conditions like cancer and diabetes are more susceptible for serious illness.
Experts said the best thing you can do is pay attention to open water on your property.
Health officials also recommend using EPA-approved insect repellent and dumping any standing water around your home.
You're also encouraged to wear long clothing, such as pants and long-sleeved shirts, to minimize skin exposure and using repellent to keep mosquitoes at bay.
Other ways to protect yourself from mosquito bites include:
- Know when to expect them: Mosquitoes that transmit disease are typically active from dusk to dawn.
- Wear EPA-registered insect repellents: The EPA recommends those containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-metadane-diol or 2-undecanone. To use the EPA search tool to find recommended repellents, click here.
- Do not use insect repellent on babies younger than two months.
- Do not use products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus or para-metadane-diol on children younger than three years old.
- Do not use repellents containing permethrin directly to your skin, regardless of age, or under your clothing.
- Treat clothes and outdoor gear with 0.5% permethrin, which can be used to treat boots, clothing and camping gear. Experts said items will still be protected after several cycles in the wash. It should never be applied directly to the skin.
- Reduce the amount of exposed skin on your body by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, hats, socks and shoes that cover your whole foot, especially if you're going to be outdoors for a prolonged period of time. Experts said mosquitoes may bite through thin clothing, so spraying clothing with repellents will provide extra protection. Experts said to pay special attention when in wooded and shady areas outside where mosquitoes are especially active.
- Dump any standing water around the home, including flowerpots, gutters, buckets, pool covers, pet water dishes, discarded tires, gutters, garden hoses, etc. and draining birdbaths on a regular basis if you have one. Experts said mosquitoes can breed in as little water as in a bottlecap.
- Keep doors and window screens in good repair to prevent mosquitoes from getting indoors.
- Avoid wearing perfumes and scented lotions while spending time outdoors.
- Maintain lawns, trim hedges, keep grass cut and remove any heavy vegetation.
- Take extra precautions during peak mosquito-biting hours, which are early morning and dusk, by wearing repellent and protective clothing or avoiding outdoor activities altogether during those hours.
If you think you may have contracted West Nile Virus, call your local health care provider.
To learn more about West Nile Virus, how to prevent it and how it spreads, treatment, signs and symptoms to watch for, additional resources and more, click here.
Related Coverage:
Warning issued after mosquitoes test positive for West Nile in southern Indiana
Health officials confirm West Nile Virus found in Clark County
Louisville health officials say West Nile virus detected in 5 more neighborhoods
Louisville health officials encourage vigilance after mosquitoes found with West Nile virus
Copyright 2025 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved.
