For The Herald Bulletin
The presence of West Nile virus has been confirmed in Madison County.
The Vector Control Program of the Madison County Health Department has reported that West Nile virus was detected through the testing of local birds and mosquitoes recently submitted to the Indiana State Department of Health laboratory.
The health department advises residents that it is extremely important to take precautions from mosquito bites. The mosquitoes of concern breed in places like stagnant ditches, discarded tires, unused wading pools and other assorted containers, particularly those in the shade.
Personal protection from mosquito bites should include:
• Using insect repellent containing DEET.
• When possible, avoiding places and times when mosquitoes bite (dusk and dawn).
• Wearing shoes, socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt when outdoors for long periods of time or when mosquitoes are most active. Clothing should be light colored and made of tightly woven materials to keep mosquitoes away from the skin.
• Making sure all windows and doors have screens, and that all screens are in good repair.
• Using mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in an unscreened structure.
Residents can also protect family and community by:
• Eliminating areas of standing water available for mosquito breeding in or near your property.
• Keeping grass cut short and shrubbery trimmed.
• Disposing of old tires, tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or other unused containers that can hold water.
• Turning over plastic wading pools when not in use.
• Turning over wheelbarrows and not allowing water to stagnate in birdbaths.
• Conducting a regular inspection of property for any standing water.
Mosquitoes may develop in any puddle that lasts for more than four days.
Most people who get infected with West Nile virus will have either no symptoms or mild symptoms. A few individuals will have a more severe form of the disease, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the tissues that cover the brain and spinal cord). There is no special treatment for West Nile virus, and no vaccine is available for humans.
At this time, the collection of dead birds is not necessary as the presence of the virus has already been confirmed. For more information, call the Madison County Health Department at (765) 641-9524.
