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INDIANAPOLIS – State health officials are urging Hoosiers to take action to protect themselves from mosquito bites after West Nile virus is detected in Indiana for the first time this year.
So far in 2021, a mosquito sample collected in Vigo County has tested positive for West Nile virus. No human cases of West Nile virus disease have been detected so far this year; however, the Indiana Department of Health expects to see more West Nile activity statewide as the mosquito season progresses.
Mosquitoes can transmit various diseases. In 2019 and 2020, Indiana experienced outbreaks of another mosquito-borne disease, Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis (EEE). These outbreaks have caused two human cases, including one fatal, and 18 horse cases in northern Indiana. Although EEE virus activity has not been detected in Indiana so far this year, health officials want Hoosiers to remain cautious.
State health authorities recommend the following preventive measures:
- 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.
About 80 percent of people infected with West Nile virus will not develop any symptoms, but about 20 percent will develop illness with fever, headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or Rashes. Less than 1% of people infected with West Nile virus will develop serious disease affecting the nervous system, which may include inflammation of the brain or the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. About one in 10 severe cases is fatal. People over the age of 60 are most at risk for serious illness from West Nile virus.
Although EEE virus disease is much less common than West Nile virus disease, it usually causes more severe illness. As with West Nile, some people infected with EEE will not develop any symptoms. Some people will develop an illness with fever, chills, joint pain or muscle pain. Some will recover from this disease without further complications, but in others, the disease can progress to a serious disease affecting the nervous system. About one in three severe cases of EEE virus disease is fatal; however, patients who recover from serious illness often have serious and permanent complications. People under the age of 15 and over 50 are most at risk for severe EEE virus disease.
People who suspect they have West Nile virus or EEE virus disease should contact their health care provider.
Where to find out more
To learn more about mosquito-borne diseases, visit https://www.in.gov/isdh/27793.htm.
How to avoid mosquito breeding areas
Even a container as small as a bottle cap can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes, so residents should take the following steps to eliminate potential 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.
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