By Jacie Shoaf
INDIANAPOLIS – A Vigo County resident is the first Hoosier death caused by West Nile virus in 2013, the State Department of Health announced Friday.
This year Indiana has 87 counties with positive tests for West Nile virus, and 20 human cases have been reported so far. The statistics are down from 2012, when there were 77 reported human cases and eight deaths in Indiana.
“Although we’re past the normal peak season for West Nile virus, which was in August and September, there’s still a risk of becoming infected on warmer days when mosquitoes are biting, so Hoosiers should continue to take precautions,†said Jennifer House, director of zoonotic and epidemiology at the Indiana State Department of Health, .
Mosquitoes are not usually active below 60 degrees Fahrenheit, but because Indiana has not experienced freezing temperatures so far this year, Hoosiers still risk succumbing to West Nile virus if they come into contact with the insects.
The West Nile virus typically causes West Nile fever. That’s a mild form of the illness and symptoms include a fever, headache, body aches, swollen lymph glands and a rash. In some cases, a more severe form of the disease develops with encephalitis, meningitis or flaccid muscle paralysis. Anyone who experiences West Nile virus symptoms should see a medical professional.
There is no vaccine or cure for West Nile virus. The Indiana State Department of Health encourages Hoosiers to use insect repellent that contains DEET, picaradin or oil of lemon eucalyptus; maintain window and door screens; avoid locations with mosquitoes such as woods or marshes; and wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts.
