RCHD: Mosquitoes are Three Times More Likely to Carry West Nile Virus This Year

Indiana currently has two confirmed cases.

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(Ripley County, Ind.) - While there have been no confirmed cases of West Nile Virus locally, residents are urged to take steps to lessen the chance of contracting the disease. 

According to the Ripley County Health Department, testing this month has shown that mosquitoes are three times more likely to carry West Nile Virus this year as compared to last year.

Indiana has two confirmed cases of humans contracting the disease in Dekalb and Vanderburgh counties. 

Public Health officials recommend the following personal protective measures:

• Avoid being outdoors during prime mosquito activity from dusk to dawn;
• Apply an insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, to clothes and exposed skin;
• Wear longsleeves and long pants in places where mosquitoes are especially active, such as wooded and shady areas;
• Install or repair screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out of the home.

Protect your family and your community from biting mosquitoes by:

• Eliminating areas of standing water
• Keeping grass cut short and shrubbery trimmed.
• Disposing of old tires, tin cans, and unused containers
• Keep gutters cleaned and clog free
• Torn over plastic wading pools or wheelbarrows
• Do not allow water to stagnate in birdbaths

To track human transmission of WNV, please visit the IDOH dashboard at https://www.in.gov/.../indiana-mosquito-borne-activity.../.