FLOYD COUNTY, Ind. — West Nile Virus (WNV) has been detected in a southern Indiana county multiple times this summer.
Mosquitoes in Floyd County, Indiana tested positive for the virus when a representative of the local health department performed routine county-wide mosquito sampling.
The Floyd County Health Department announced Wednesday it identified four positive pools of mosquitoes infected with West Nile Virus. The samples were collected the week of Aug. 26 and Sept. 3.
As of now, no human cases of WNV have been identified in the county.
This is the second time local health officials announced there were West Nile Virus positive mosquitoes found in the area. In August, they said health department representatives identified three positive pools of mosquitoes infected with the virus.
Mosquitoes infected with west Nile Virus were also found this month in nearby Louisville, Kentucky. No human cases were confirmed in Jefferson County.
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.
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.