LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The state of Indiana reported its first case of the West Nile virus in 2023.
The state's health department said in a news release Thursday that someone in Lake County was diagnosed with the virus. Lake County is in northwest Indiana, not far from Chicago.
The health department said the West Nile virus has also been detected in mosquitoes in 15 counties across the state, but they haven't named those other counties.
The virus was detected in Louisville earlier this month in the 40208, 40210 and 40211 zip codes.
"Mosquitoes are more than just a nuisance — their bites can potentially lead to serious illness," Indiana State Health Commissioner Lindsay Weaver said in a news release Friday. "Hoosiers can reduce their risk by wearing bug repellent and taking steps to remove breeding sites, like standing water in discarded tires or other containers around their residences."
Here are some steps you can take to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes:
- Use insect repellents when you go outdoors. Repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, and some oil of lemon eucalyptus and para-menthane-diol products provide longer-lasting protection. To optimize safety and effectiveness, repellents should be used according to the label instructions.
- When weather permits, wear long sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors. Mosquitoes may bite through thin clothing, so spraying clothes with a repellent containing permethrin or another EPA-registered repellent will give extra protection. Don't apply repellents containing permethrin directly to your skin. Do not spray repellent on the skin under your clothing.
- Take extra care during peak mosquito biting hours of early morning and dusk. Take extra care to use repellent and protective clothing from dusk to dawn or consider avoiding outdoor activities during these times.
- Prevent mosquito breeding grounds:
- Install or repair screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes outside.
- Help reduce the number of mosquitos around your home by emptying standing water from flowerpots, trash cans, gutters, buckets, pool covers, pet water dishes, discarded tires and drain birdbaths on a regular basis.
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