West Nile Found Early This Year in Indiana

A map from the Indiana State Department of Health shows as of June 23, there have been 2 confirmed positive human cases of West Nile in Indiana. One case is Lake County and one in Hamilton County. In addition the following counties have mosquito populations that have tested positive for West Nile virus: Tippecanoe, Morgan, Knox, Pike, and Clark.

As you will note, neither of the human cases is in a county that has tested positive for the West Nile in mosquitoes. This may be because the county does not routinely gather and test mosquito populations, the particular populations of mosquitoes tested did not contain West Nile virus at the time of testing, or the person contracted the virus when visiting outside the county they live in.

Here in the northern lakes region of Indiana we have not yet found any cases of West Nile in mosquito populations nor in the human population but it is always wise to be cautious around mosquitoes and the diseases they carry like West Nile, Zika, and Encephalitis.

The health department recommends people reduce their risk of getting West Nile by wearing bug spray containing DEET, wearing long sleeves and pants, and avoiding prime biting times from dusk to dawn.

Also, it is always a good idea to walk your property and eliminate any sources of standing water.

For more information about mosquito borne diseases, click here.

As always if you have a problem with, or even just a question about, mosquitos (or any other yard pests) feel free to call Damien Carboneau—“The Mosquito Guy” anytime at 574-527-8852. He’ll be happy to speak with you!

At Indiana Mosquito Busters we want to help you live MOSQUITO and TICK FREE.