Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Tuesday, August 2, 2011
(COLUMBUS, IN) - Two pools of mosquitoes in Bartholomew County have tested positive for the West Nile Virus.
They were discovered in the tree-lined area of Water Street near the old water treatment plant.
This is the first positive test reported in the county this year.
The Bartholomew County Health Department will be concentrating their mosquito control efforts in the areas where the virus has been detected.
The Health Department is urging property owners to insure that there is no standing water on their property, as stagnant water leads to mosquitoes.
Mosquitoes also accumulate in areas where sewage water accumulates. Homeowners should repair all malfunctioning septic systems.
They should also check flower pots, buckets, old tires and clogged gutters for any standing water.
Health Department officials also urge you to use insect repellent that contains Deet, and to take precautions between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
You can do a lot of good by wearing long sleeves and long pants. West Nile Virus is transmitted to humans by mosquitoes that have bitten an infected bird.
Humans will show symptoms of the disease within three to fifteen days after being bit by an infected mosquito.
These symptoms may be very mild, or not manifest at all.
A few individuals may get a more severe form of the virus.
These people may end up with encephalitis or meningitis.
These would include symptoms of high fever, headache, stiff neck, muscle weakness, paralysis and confusion.
Anyone with questions should contact their doctor or the Bartholomew County Health Department.
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