West Nile Virus Increases across the State

Officials with the Indiana State Department of Health are keeping an eye on the West Nile Virus activity in the state.

As of Aug. 18, 261 pools of water tested positive for the West Nile Virus in 58 counties this year. According to statistics compiled by the Indiana State Department of Health, three mosquito infections were separately reported in Starke County, La Porte County and Fulton County. One mosquito infection was reported in Porter County while there were no reports in Marshall County or Pulaski County.

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ISDH Confirms Two Mosquito Batches Test Positive for West Nile in Starke County

 
 

The Indiana State Department of Health says Starke County recently tested positive for West Nile Virus.

Two mosquito batches tested for virus in the local area returned positive results, but Starke County has not reported a human case of West Nile in 2016. West Nile is largely transmitted through mosquito bites and can cause flu-like symptoms and even death in extreme cases.

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West Nile Virus Reported in Human Case in Porter County

 
 

The first human case of West Nile virus has been confirmed in Porter County.

Mosquitoes in 18 counties have tested positive for the virus so far this year. Marshall County is one of the 18 counties, according to the Indiana Department of Health. West Nile virus may be circulating in all 92 counties and you should take precautions to protect yourself against contracting the virus.

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Help Prevent West Nile Virus

6-16-14 mosquito picThe West Nile virus has been confirmed in mosquitoes in Marshall County but no human cases have been reported. The best way to protect yourself from mosquitoes is to avoid being outdoors during peak biting times which occur from the evening to early morning hours. If you need to be outside, apply mosquito repellent with DEET or wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants while outdoors. Continue reading

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.

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Fight the Bite! Get Mosquitoes to Buzz Off

6-16-14 mosquito picThe recent rain means we will most likely see an increase in the number of these insects in the area. Mosquitoes thrive in hot and humid weather. They are also attracted to wetlands and wooded areas.

The best way to avoid the dreaded mosquito bite is to dress in protective clothing when outdoors and to use insect repellent. However, the biggest risk with mosquitoes is contracting West Nile Virus. Continue reading

First Death From West Nile Virus Confirmed

 
 
The first death from West Nile virus has been confirmed by the Indiana State Department of Health and the person was from Vigo County.

Jennifer House, DVM, director of zoonotic and environmental epidemiology at the Indiana State Department of Health, said the normal peak season for West Nile Virus is in August and September, but there is still a risk when it’s a little warmer outside and mosquitos are biting.

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West Nile Virus Hits Indiana; Repellent Encouraged

 
 
It has finally come to Indiana; the first person in the state has been diagnosed with West Nile Virus. While it isn’t quite time to panic, we should still do what we can to avoid mosquitoes. Sherry Fagner, environmental health specialist at the Pulaski County Health Department, told WKVI that there are numerous ways to avoid the annoying pests and cut down on the risk of West Nile at the same time.

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Pulaski Health Dept. Offers Free Mosquito Wipes, Repellant

 
 
It’s mosquito season and that brings one fear to mind above all others when it comes to being bitten by the annoying bug: the West Nile virus. The virus is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito, and while there is no treatment for the infection and no vaccine available, there are several ways to avoid the virus.

Most people who get infected with West Nile virus do not show any symptoms, though some people develop a mild illness called West Nile Fever. This mild illness gets better on its own; no treatment is necessary. However, a small number of people – that is, less than 1 in 100 – who get infected with West Nile virus develop severe symptoms such as headache, high fever, stiff neck, mental confusion, muscle weakness, tremors, convulsions, coma, and paralysis.

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