BRAZIL, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — West Nile virus has been detected in multiple pools of Clay County mosquitoes, according to health officials.
In a press release from the Clay County Health Department, they said the virus has been detected specifically near Brazil, Indiana, in North Central Clay County.
The Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) has also notified the Greene County Health Department that mosquito samples collected in Greene County tested positive for West Nile Virus.
The IDOH and Clay County Health Department recommend taking precautions against mosquito bites to reduce the risks caused by mosquito-borne viruses, which includes Eastern Equine Encephalitis (triple-E) and La Crosse virus, along with the West Nile virus.
State and local health officials recommend all Hoosiers take the following steps to avoid these diseases:
- Use insect repellent. Apply EPA-registered insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, or 2-undecanone according to the label instructions.
- Wear protective clothing. Wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants. Consider treating clothing and gear with a permethrin product (note: permethrin products should not be applied directly to the skin).
- Know when to expect mosquito bites. The Culex species of mosquito is mostly responsible for WNV and is active mostly between dusk and 1 a.m., and at dawn. Taking precautions to avoid bites between dusk and dawn is recommended.
The IDOH also gave tips for homeowners, landlords, and property managers to control indoor and outdoor mosquitoes:
- Install screens on windows and doors and keep them in good repair.
- Look for containers that could hold water such as trash, tires, buckets, toys, pools, birdbaths, flowerpot saucers, or trash containers.
- Prevent mosquitoes from accessing containers. This can be done by removing trash; moving items indoors; covering or overturning items not in use; drilling holes in the bottom of trash containers; installing screens on rain barrels; replacing water in pet bowls daily; and flushing birdbaths, fountains, and other containers at least once a week.
- Maintain properties and landscaping in good condition. This includes regularly servicing septic systems, keeping grass mowed and shrubs trimmed, cleaning gutters regularly, and aerating ornamental pools or stocking them with predatory fish.
The press release goes on to say that most people infected with West Nile have no symptoms or only mild flu-like symptoms. While some people infected will develop a more severe form of the disease that affects the nervous system, causing inflammation to the brain and spinal cord, muscle paralysis, and possibly death.
The release states that people over 60 years of age and those with weakened immune systems are at a higher risk of experiencing a severe case of West Nile Virus. If you believe you have the virus, you should see your healthcare provider. To learn more about the spread of mosquito-borne illness in the area, you can click here.
