West Nile virus detected in mosquitoes in Monroe County

Written from press release

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — The Monroe County Health Department has confirmed that mosquitoes in the county have tested positive for West Nile virus, according to a release issued Monday.

The positive result came from one pool of mosquitoes — up to 100 insects collected together — as part of the county’s General Environmental Mosquito Surveillance Program.

“Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk,” said Environmental Health Director Michael Kuzemka. “Any size container holding water, even the size of a bottle cap, could be a breeding area for mosquitoes on your property. Keeping yards mowed will help reduce the mosquito population.”

West Nile virus can cause illness three to 15 days after an infected mosquito bite. Most people experience no symptoms or only mild ones, such as fever, headache, body aches, or rash. However, about 1 in 150 cases develops into a more severe form of the disease, such as encephalitis or meningitis, which can be fatal in about 10% of severe cases. People over age 50 are at higher risk for serious illness.

There is no vaccine or specific treatment for West Nile virus in humans. Severe cases may require hospitalization for supportive care. Health officials urge anyone experiencing high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, muscle weakness or paralysis, nausea or vomiting, sore joints, or confusion to seek medical attention immediately.

The Health Department recommends residents take steps to reduce mosquito breeding around homes and workplaces, including removing standing water from containers, cleaning clogged gutters, repairing window and door screens, and keeping grass and shrubs trimmed. Officials also advise limiting outdoor activity during peak mosquito hours and using EPA-registered insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or para-menthane-diol.

More information on West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne diseases is available at in.gov/health.

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