West Nile Virus found in mosquitoes for at least the 4th time this year in southern Indiana

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A mosquito sample collected the week of Aug. 3 in Floyd County, Indiana, tested positive for the West Nile Virus, county health officials said Friday.

The Floyd County Health Department said the positive sample was found during a routine check. No human cases have been identified in the county.

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. 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.

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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