EVANSVILLE, August 30th, 2024-One sample group of mosquitos from a surveillance trap collected within Vanderburgh County in zip code 47715. This is the first positive test in Vanderburgh County this year. The Vanderburgh County Health Department is advising the public to take precautions against mosquito bites due to the presence of West Nile virus being found in samples throughout the state of Indiana and the risk of mosquitos transmitting the disease progressing thru the rest of the summer.
West Nile virus can cause West Nile fever, a mild form of the illness, which can include fever, headache, body aches, swollen lymph glands or rash. Some people will develop a more sever form of the disease affecting the nervous system, including inflammation in the brain and spial cord, muscle paralysis, or even death. People who think they may have West Nile virus should see their healthcare provider.
The Health Department is asking residents to:
• Limit time outdoors between dusk and dawn, when mosquitos are most active. Where light colored clothing, pants, and long sleeves when possible.
• Use insect repellant containing DEET, Picaridin, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus. (Products containing DEET should not be used on infants aged <2 months of age and those containing Oil of Lemon
Eucalyptus should be used on infants <3 years of age); and
• Make sure your property is free of any standing water, which could be breeding grounds for mosquitos that carry the virus. Empty flowerpots, buckets, old tires, trash cans, and clogged gutters. Keep the grass cut and landscaping trimmed as adult mosquitos use overgrown areas as safe placed to rest.
So much for the Health Dept saying that mosquitos dont spread. They spread the West Nile virus!