West Nile virus detected in Vanderburgh County mosquitos

HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) – The Vanderburgh County Health Department announced a sample group of mosquitos collected within Vanderburgh County have tested positive for West Nile virus.

The health department is advising the public to take precautions against mosquito bites and the risk of mosquitos transmitting the disease progressing through the rest of the summer. Officials ask residents to do the following:

• Limit time outdoors between dusk and dawn, when mosquitos are most active.
• Wear light colored clothing, pants and long sleeves when possible.
• Use insect repellent containing DEET, Picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus (products containing DEET should not be used on infants less than two-months-old, and those containing oil of lemon eucalyptus should be used on infants less than three-years-old).
• Make sure your property is free of any standing water, including empty flowerpots, buckets, old tires, trash cans and clogged gutters.
• Keep the grass cut and landscaping trimmed.

West Nile virus can cause West Nile fever, a mild form of the illness, which can include fever, headache, body aches, swollen lymph glands or a rash. Some people may develop a more severe form of the disease affecting the nervous system, including inflammation in the brain and spinal cord, muscle paralysis or even death.

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