INDIANAPOLIS (WOWO): Health officials confirm, there is a human case of West Nile in Northern Indiana.
It's the first case reported of the summer and its in Huntington County. This comes as 27 counties have tested positive for mosquitoes carrying the virus. That includes Allen, Fulton, Wabash and Wells with pools of mosquitoes with the virus.
Indiana Department of Health Commissioner Jerome Adams says (said Tuesday) the virus is preventative. That includes wearing long-sleeve pants and sleeves and using insect repellent. You should also avoid being outside when mosquitoes are active, that's dusk to dawn and early morning.
You should also check screens on windows and use repellent containing DEET or other approved substances.
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 to clothes and exposed skin;
·Install or repair screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out of the home.
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 a rash. Some individuals will develop a more severe form of the disease with encephalitis or meningitis and other severe syndromes, including flaccid muscle paralysis or even death.
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;
·Frequently replace the water in pet bowls;
·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.
