TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Mosquitoes have tested positive for West Nile Virus in Terre Haute.
The Vigo County Health Department was notified Monday by the Indiana State Department of Health of the positive samples.
There are still no human cases currently in Indiana.
Residents are encouraged to take steps to protect themselves from West Nile Virus and other mosquito-borne diseases to keep Vigo County’s numbers down until the first frost.
State
health officials recommend the following preventative measures:
-
Avoid
being outdoors when mosquitoes are active (late afternoon and dusk
to dawn and early morning); -
Apply
insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon
eucalyptus or para-menthane-diol, 2-undecanone to clothes and
exposed skin; -
Install
or repair screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out of the
home; and, -
When
possible, wear pants and long sleeves, especially if walking in
wooded or marshy areas.
Most
people who get West Nile virus will have no signs or mild illness. A
few individuals will have a more severe form of the disease; swelling
of the brain or the tissues that cover the brain and spinal cord.
Signs may be high fever, headache, neck stiffness, muscle weakness,
and being confused.
To reduce potential mosquito breeding grounds:
- Discard old tires, tin cans, ceramic pots or other containers that can hold water;
- Repair failed septic systems;
- Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers left outdoors;
- Keep grass cut short and shrubbery trimmed;
- Clean clogged roof gutters, particularly if leaves tend to plug up the drains;
- Flush ornamental fountains and birdbaths periodically; and,
- Aerate ornamental pools, or stock them with predatory fish.
People
who think they may have West Nile virus should see their healthcare
provider.
