FLOYD COUNTY, Ind. — Nearly three dozens states across the nation are reporting mosquito born viruses including here in the Ohio River Valley.
Mosquitoes in southern Indiana recently tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV).
The Floyd County Health Department announced Monday it identified three positive pools on mosquitoes infected with the WNV in Floyd County. The positive mosquito samples were collected the weeks of July 26, Aug. 2 and Aug. 12 during routine county-wide mosquito sampling.
As of now, no human cases of WNV have been identified in the county.
Owner of Mosquito Joe Southern Indiana, Paul Huff, said the region is in the heart of mosquito season and eggs are starting to hatch. He said the insects can use just a tablespoon of water to lay those eggs.
"When you get into the months of June, July and August they've basically had a, what I like to tell people, a couple of months to build up their armies," Huff said. "It takes anywhere of about four to 11 days when they go from an egg to an adult. So when you get into the late summer months they've had quite a few months to build up."
Huff said service requests are usually at high volume this time of year. His team treats mosquitoes by releasing a chemical fog in cooler shaded spots where the pest like to live and populate. Huff said mosquitoes love bushes, the underside of storage sheds and other areas that are shaded from the sun and wind.
"A lot of people don't think about it, gutters, kids toys, tires in the back things like that that don't ever drain," Huff said.
Mosquitoes infected with west Nile Virus were also found this month in nearby Louisville, Kentucky. No human cases have been confirmed.
Most people who become infected with WNV can experience mild illness such as fever, headache, and body aches before recovering fully. However, in some individuals, especially the elderly and immune compromised, WNV can cause serious illness and even death, according to health officials.
The University of Louisville infectious disease expert Ryan Doster said the county's findings aren't not too concerning.
"A lot of people have probably been exposed to West Nile but don't get sick," Doster said. "It's been estimated that only 20% or one in five people who are exposed to West Nile ever develop any symptoms."
Doster said it's mainly the elderly and people with health issues who should be concerned.
"Especially over age 50 where we see that neuroinvasive infection become more common," Doster said. "They're probably up to three times the increased risk compared to a normal adult population."
Residents of Floyd County are advised to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites by using DEET and other repellants, wearing protective clothing such as long sleeves and pants, and if possible avoid being outside during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
Homeowners should also be aware of their property and correct common sources of mosquito breeding sites including clogged gutters, old tires, failing septic systems, abandoned/ nonfunctional swimming pools, and other water containing items. Homeowners should also be diligent about maintaining overgrown grass, shrubs, and trees that can harbor mosquitoes during the day.
For more information on Floyd County’s West Nile Virus surveillance program or to have a mosquito trap placed at your property, please call 812-948-4726 or click here.
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