West Nile Virus Found In Greene County

Last updated on Wednesday, July 27, 2016

(BLOOMFIELD) - The Greene County Health Department has received confirmation that a pool of mosquitoes have tested positive for the West Nile Virus in Greene County.

As of July 13, there were only three counties in Indiana that had tested positive for West Nile Virus.

The following information is provided to guard residents of possible exposure.
West Nile Virus is a virus that is spread by mosquitoes. This virus may cause severe illness in people. Most people who get West Nile Virus will have no signs, or will have a mild illness.

A few individuals will have a more severe form of the disease; swelling of the brain or the tissues that cover the brain and spinal cord.

Signs may be high fever, headache, neck stiffness, muscle weakness and being confused. Mosquitoes spread the disease to humans by biting a bird with the virus, and then biting a human. Humans that are bitten by a mosquito with the virus may show signs three to 15 days after being bitten. Anyone who has a mosquito bite is at risk of getting West Nile fever. People over 50 years of age have the highest risk of getting severe disease.

West Nile Virus cannot be treated but care can be given to people with severe illness.

Mosquitoes lay eggs in still water, which hatch in seven to 10 days. If standing water is eliminated weekly, many mosquitoes will be kept from breeding in the first place.

Indiana State Department of Health offers these tips to prevent against the virus and prevent its spread:

Remove standing water in ponds, ditches, clogged rain gutters, flower pots, plant saucers, buckets, puddles, garden equipment and cans
Repair failing septic systems
Check for items that might hold water including barbecues, toys, pool covers, tarps, plastic sheeting, boats, canoes and trash
Disposal of old tires
Clean clogged roof gutters
Avoid mosquitoes by staying indoors at dawn and dusk when the bugs are most active.
Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants while outdoors
Apply insect repellent that contains DEET. Use only 10 percent DEET on children, and after applying, make sure everyone washes their hands. DEET should not be used on infants under 6 months. Follow directions carefully.

1340 AM WBIW welcomes comments and suggestions by calling 812.277.1340 during normal business hours or by email at comments@wbiw.com

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