The Indiana Department of Health has confirmed the presence of West Nile Virus in mosquitoes in Putnam County.
According to the health officials, there have been no human cases detected as of Monday, but health officials are encouraging all residents to protect themselves against the disease.
West Nile Virus is the leading cause of mosquito borne disease and is spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito. According to health officials, 1 in 5 people who are infected with West Nile will develop a fever and other symptoms, while 1 out of 150 infected people can develop a serious, sometimes, fatal illness.
Residents are at risk across Indiana until the first freeze. With that said, there are preventive measures that can be taken.
Health officials are urging residents to avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are active, using an insect repellent containing DEET to clothes and exposed skin, covering skin with a hat, long sleeved clothing and long pants in places where mosquitoes are active, especially in wooded areas.
In addition, residents are asked to clean up any debris in their yard, as containers as small as a bottle cap or tires can be used as breeding grounds.
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