Health officials report evidence of West Nile Virus in Marshall County

Marshall County health officials announced that five mosquito pools have tested positive for the West Nile virus in the county.

“As people are outside, I want them to be aware of this risk for infection with West Nile virus from mosquitoes, and I strongly recommend they take the simple precautions necessary to protect themselves,” said Byron M. Holm, M.D., local health officer, Marshall County Health Department.

West Nile virus is transmitted to humans by mosquitoes that have bitten an infected bird. A person bitten by an infected mosquito may show symptoms there to 15 days after the bite.

The virus usually results in a mild illness known as West Nile fever, which can cause fever, headache, body aches, swollen lymph glands, or a rash. However, a small number of individuals can develop a more severe form of the disease with encephalitis or meningitis and other neurological syndromes, including flaccid muscle paralysis.

“West Nile virus is potentially a very serious disease,” said Dr. Holm. “The good news is it is also preventable.”

Dr. Holm urges county residents to take the following protective steps when they are outdoors:

• Avoid being outdoors during prime mosquito biting times, dusk to dawn, when possible.

• Apply insect repellent containing DEET, picaradin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus to clothes and exposed skin.

• Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants.

Local health officials are also asking residents to take steps to rid their properties of potential mosquito breeding grounds:

• Repair failed septic systems.

• Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers that re left outdoors.

• Keep grass cut short and shrubbery trimmed.

• Dispose of old tires, tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or other unused containers that can hold water.

• Every week, empty and clean any containers used to hold water.

• Clean clogged roof gutters, particularly if leaves tend to plug up the drains.

• Aerate ornamental pools, or stock them with predatory fish.

Health officials report that although individuals over age 50 are at the most significant risk for severe illness and even death from West Nile virus, people of all ages have been infected with the virus and have had severe disease. Visit the Indiana State Department of Health website at www.statehealth.in.gov for updated information on West Nile virus activity in Indiana.