West Nile Virus Found in Mosquitoes in Marshall County

 
 

Mosquitoes in Marshall County have tested positive for West Nile virus, but no human cases have been reported.

State health officials say mosquitoes in Pike County have also tested positive and they expect more to be found throughout the summer months. Officials indicate that it’s impossible to predict the severity of this year’s West Nile virus season as temperatures and rainfall determine the level of mosquito populations.

To protect yourself against the West Nile Virus, avoid being outdoors in the late afternoon and from dusk to dawn. If you are outside, apply insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus to clothes and exposed skin. Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants while outside during times when mosquitoes are biting.

Those who become ill with the West Nile virus experience a fever, headache, body aches, swollen lymph glands or a rash. A small number of people can develop a more severe form of the disease.