Health officials warn Hoosiers to take precautions after West Nile virus detected in Indiana – WISH-TV | Indianapolis News | Indiana weather

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – West Nile virus was first detected this year in Indiana and health officials are warning Hoosiers to take precautions.

A mosquito sample collected in Vigo County tested positive for the virus, officials from the Indiana State Department of Health said on Tuesday. Health officials expect to see more West Nile activity across Indiana as mosquito season progresses.

“Many of us look forward to the summer activities that were postponed or canceled last year, but we don’t want anyone to get sick from mosquito bites,” said the Health Commissioner of the State, Kris Box, MD, FACOG, in a press release sent to News 8. “Hoosiers in all parts of the state should take precautions to avoid mosquito bites when they are outdoors.”

Mosquitoes do not only transmit West Nile virus. In 2019 and 2020, outbreaks of Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis (EEE) caused two human cases, including one fatal, according to the ISDH.

ISDH recommends that Hoosiers take the following precautions to stay healthy:

• Avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are active (especially in the late afternoon, from dusk to dawn and early in the morning);
• Apply an EPA registered insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, lemon eucalyptus oil, or para-menthane-diol to clothing and exposed skin;
• Cover exposed skin by wearing a hat, long sleeves and long pants in places where mosquitoes are particularly active, such as wooded areas;
• Install or repair screens on windows and doors to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.

Hoosiers should also do the following to avoid mosquito breeding grounds:

• Throw away old tires, cans, ceramic pots or other containers that may contain water;
• Repair faulty septic systems;
• Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers left outside;
• Keep grass cut short and shrubs trimmed;
• Clean clogged gutters, especially if leaves tend to clog drains;
• Replace the water in pet bowls frequently;
• Periodically rinse ornamental fountains and birdbaths; and,
• Aerate ornamental ponds or fill them with predatory fish.

The ISDH reports that about 80% of people infected with West Nile virus will have no symptoms and about 20% will get sick and suffer from fever, headache, body aches, joint pain, diarrhea or pain. ‘Rashes.

Less than 1% of people infected with the virus will develop serious illness, ISDH said; about one in 10 severe cases can be fatal.

If you think you have contracted West Nile virus or EEE, you should contact your doctor.