Posted on August 31, 2017
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
Officials with the Indiana State Department of Health are keeping an eye on the West Nile Virus activity in the state.
As of Aug. 18, 261 pools of water tested positive for the West Nile Virus in 58 counties this year. According to statistics compiled by the Indiana State Department of Health, three mosquito infections were separately reported in Starke County, La Porte County and Fulton County. One mosquito infection was reported in Porter County while there were no reports in Marshall County or Pulaski County.
The number of cases reported to the state so far this year has surpassed the totals in 2016.
One human case of West Nile Virus was confirmed in Hamilton County and another in Lake County. Horses in Adams and LaGrange Counties are infected.
State health officials expect to see the number of cases rise until the first hard freeze of the year. Residents are urged to use mosquito repellent with DEET for protection. Rid properties of any objects that hold water to avoid a possible breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Showing posts with label West Nile Virus. Show all posts
Showing posts with label West Nile Virus. Show all posts
Thursday, August 31, 2017
Friday, August 18, 2017
West Nile Virus on the Rise Throughout Indiana
Posted on August 18, 2017
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
West Nile virus activity is on the rise across Indiana. Now, state health officials are urging Hoosiers to protect themselves from mosquito-borne diseases.
According to statistics from the Indiana State Department of Health, West Nile has been found in mosquito batches in 53 of the state’s 92 counties, including Starke, LaPorte, and St. Joseph. On top of that, two human cases have been confirmed in Lake and Hamilton counties.
West Nile virus can lead to fever, headache, body aches, swollen lymph glands, or a rash, according to state health officials. But more severe cases may cause inflammation in the brain and spinal cord, muscle paralysis, or death.
The Indiana State Department of Health says there are a few steps you can take to reduce the risk of West Nile and similar diseases. Avoid being outdoors in the late afternoon, at night, or early in the morning, when mosquitoes are active. Cover your skin by wearing long sleeves, long pants, and a hat. Apply an EPA-registered insect repellent to clothes and exposed skin.
State health officials add that you can help stop mosquitoes from breeding, by getting rid of any old tires, ceramic pots, or other containers that can collect water. Cut your grass short and trim your shrubbery. Flush fountains and birdbaths every week.
The Indiana State Department of Health expects increased West Nile activity until the first hard freeze of the year, which typically happens in late October.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
West Nile virus activity is on the rise across Indiana. Now, state health officials are urging Hoosiers to protect themselves from mosquito-borne diseases.
According to statistics from the Indiana State Department of Health, West Nile has been found in mosquito batches in 53 of the state’s 92 counties, including Starke, LaPorte, and St. Joseph. On top of that, two human cases have been confirmed in Lake and Hamilton counties.
West Nile virus can lead to fever, headache, body aches, swollen lymph glands, or a rash, according to state health officials. But more severe cases may cause inflammation in the brain and spinal cord, muscle paralysis, or death.
The Indiana State Department of Health says there are a few steps you can take to reduce the risk of West Nile and similar diseases. Avoid being outdoors in the late afternoon, at night, or early in the morning, when mosquitoes are active. Cover your skin by wearing long sleeves, long pants, and a hat. Apply an EPA-registered insect repellent to clothes and exposed skin.
State health officials add that you can help stop mosquitoes from breeding, by getting rid of any old tires, ceramic pots, or other containers that can collect water. Cut your grass short and trim your shrubbery. Flush fountains and birdbaths every week.
The Indiana State Department of Health expects increased West Nile activity until the first hard freeze of the year, which typically happens in late October.
Thursday, June 22, 2017
West Nile Virus Confirmed in Indiana, State Officials Offer Mosquito Safety Tips
Posted on June 22, 2017
Author WKVI
State officials have confirmed the first cases of the West Nile Virus in Indiana. As the mosquito season progresses, the state is urging citizens to take preventive action against the virus.
To prevent yourself from getting the virus and other mosquito borne viruses, you can wear insect repellant, cover exposed skin by wearing a hat, long sleeve shirts and pants in places like wooded areas.
Mosquitoes breed in standing water. Even a container as small as a bottle cap can become a breeding ground, so residents should take the following steps:
Author WKVI
State officials have confirmed the first cases of the West Nile Virus in Indiana. As the mosquito season progresses, the state is urging citizens to take preventive action against the virus.
To prevent yourself from getting the virus and other mosquito borne viruses, you can wear insect repellant, cover exposed skin by wearing a hat, long sleeve shirts and pants in places like wooded areas.
- West Nile Virus starts out with a mild form of the illness. Symptoms include fever, head and body aches, swollen lymph glands or a rash. If you or someone you know have these symptoms, please see a health care provider.
- Avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are active (especially late afternoon, dusk to dawn and early morning).
- Apply an EPA-registered insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus or para-menthane-diol to clothes and exposed skin.
- Cover exposed skin by wearing a hat, long sleeves and long pants in places where mosquitoes are especially active, such as wooded areas.
- Install or repair screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out of the home.
Mosquitoes breed in standing water. Even a container as small as a bottle cap can become a breeding ground, so residents should take the following steps:
- 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.
- Frequently replace the water in pet bowls.
- Flush ornamental fountains and birdbaths periodically.
- Aerate ornamental pools, or stock them with predatory fish
Monday, August 29, 2016
Residents Reminded to Take Precautions Against West Nile Virus
Posted on August 27, 2016
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
Summer may be entering its final weeks, but mosquito season continues. So far this year, 92 mosquito batches have tested positive for West Nile Virus, including two in Starke County and three in St. Joseph County.
Marion County reported the greatest number of mosquito batches with the disease at 32. It also had the state’s only human case of West Nile, according to the Indiana State Department of Health.
State health officials say that while anyone may be infected with the virus, those over the age of 50 are at a higher risk of experiencing serious illness. However, most people will only experience mild symptoms, if any. These may include fever, upset stomach, body aches, or muscle weakness.
To protect yourself, the ISDH recommends using insect repellant containing DEET, and wearing shoes, socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt if you’re planning on being outdoors for long periods of time or when mosquitoes are most active. You can also help reduce the local mosquito population by getting rid of any standing water.
For more information about West Nile Virus and other mosquito-borne diseases, visit the ISDH website.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
Summer may be entering its final weeks, but mosquito season continues. So far this year, 92 mosquito batches have tested positive for West Nile Virus, including two in Starke County and three in St. Joseph County.
Marion County reported the greatest number of mosquito batches with the disease at 32. It also had the state’s only human case of West Nile, according to the Indiana State Department of Health.
State health officials say that while anyone may be infected with the virus, those over the age of 50 are at a higher risk of experiencing serious illness. However, most people will only experience mild symptoms, if any. These may include fever, upset stomach, body aches, or muscle weakness.
To protect yourself, the ISDH recommends using insect repellant containing DEET, and wearing shoes, socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt if you’re planning on being outdoors for long periods of time or when mosquitoes are most active. You can also help reduce the local mosquito population by getting rid of any standing water.
For more information about West Nile Virus and other mosquito-borne diseases, visit the ISDH website.
Friday, August 5, 2016
ISDH Confirms Two Mosquito Batches Test Positive for West Nile in Starke County
Posted on August 5, 2016
Author Tyler Maffitt, WKVI
The Indiana State Department of Health says Starke County recently tested positive for West Nile Virus.
Two mosquito batches tested for virus in the local area returned positive results, but Starke County has not reported a human case of West Nile in 2016. West Nile is largely transmitted through mosquito bites and can cause flu-like symptoms and even death in extreme cases.
Starke County Health Nurse Frank Lynch says there are a few steps residents can take to protect themselves.
“You just want to try to keep any standing water out of areas,” says Lynch. “Tires, they usually accumulate water, if you have tires, try to keep the water out of them, try and get them to some place where they’re not going to accumulate water when it does rain or anything of that nature.”
Moderate rainfalls earlier this year may have produced standing water in local yards, allowing mosquitoes to lay larva at the sites. Lynch says there are larvicides that that can be purchased to limit their presence.
West Nile virus can cause fever, upset stomach, body aches, muscle weakness, and other symptoms. To prevent contracting the virus, the health department recommends wearing long-sleeve shirts and pants during the hours mosquitoes are most active in the morning and the evening.
If you have the flu at an odd time of year, summer for instance, Lynch says blood testing for West Nile is the only way to confirm it.
“The hearing is that we have two batches in the county for this year,” says Lynch. “That does not seem out of line at all compared to previous years.”
None of the surrounding counties have experienced batches testing positive for West Nile Virus. Marion County has reported 10 mosquito batches and one human case this year.
The ISDH continually tracks West Nile Virus movements throughout the year – the map for which can be found on their website.
Author Tyler Maffitt, WKVI
The Indiana State Department of Health says Starke County recently tested positive for West Nile Virus.
Two mosquito batches tested for virus in the local area returned positive results, but Starke County has not reported a human case of West Nile in 2016. West Nile is largely transmitted through mosquito bites and can cause flu-like symptoms and even death in extreme cases.
Starke County Health Nurse Frank Lynch says there are a few steps residents can take to protect themselves.
“You just want to try to keep any standing water out of areas,” says Lynch. “Tires, they usually accumulate water, if you have tires, try to keep the water out of them, try and get them to some place where they’re not going to accumulate water when it does rain or anything of that nature.”
Moderate rainfalls earlier this year may have produced standing water in local yards, allowing mosquitoes to lay larva at the sites. Lynch says there are larvicides that that can be purchased to limit their presence.
West Nile virus can cause fever, upset stomach, body aches, muscle weakness, and other symptoms. To prevent contracting the virus, the health department recommends wearing long-sleeve shirts and pants during the hours mosquitoes are most active in the morning and the evening.
If you have the flu at an odd time of year, summer for instance, Lynch says blood testing for West Nile is the only way to confirm it.
“The hearing is that we have two batches in the county for this year,” says Lynch. “That does not seem out of line at all compared to previous years.”
None of the surrounding counties have experienced batches testing positive for West Nile Virus. Marion County has reported 10 mosquito batches and one human case this year.
The ISDH continually tracks West Nile Virus movements throughout the year – the map for which can be found on their website.
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