Mosquitos testing positive for West Nile; no human cases found

VIGO COUNTY, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) – Communities across the country have been on high alert regarding mosquito-borne illnesses, such as West Nile Virus.

According to the Indiana Department of Health’s Mosquito-Borne Activity Dashboard, several local counties have had mosquito pools test positive for the virus. That includes Vigo County, but the health department says while the county has had three pools of mosquitoes test positive, it has no human cases. Public Health Educator Shelby Jackson said symptoms of West Nile Virus are similar to the flu, but prolonged.

She added preventing opportunities for mosquitoes to breed is key, by emptying out items that collect water on your property.

“It doesn’t take that long for these eggs to hatch and become mosquitoes, especially as we’re getting out of the summer season. We have all of these garden pots and containers of beautiful flowers, but we want to make sure we’re taking care of those pots too and emptying those out,” Jackson said.

Another mosquito-borne illness being talked about recently is Eastern Equine Encephalitis, also known as EEE. Jackson says there are currently no cases of EEE in humans, mosquitoes, or horses in Vigo County.

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