More cases of West Nile virus are reported

State health officials report 16 new human cases of West Nile virus,with nine in LakeCounty, two in Elkhart County, and one each in Allen, Blackford, Clinton, LaPorte, and Noble counties.West Nile virus has been identified in 66 counties in Indiana so far in 2006,with a total of 30 human cases.

"This is the time of the year that we expect to seemost of our human cases of West Nile virus," said James Howell, DVM, veterinary epidemiologist, Indiana State Department of Health. "It's important for Hoosiers to remember that even if a case has not been identified in your county,we are confident that West Nile virus is present in all 92 counties, and we urge individuals to take appropriate precautions."

"It is best if people avoid being outside fromdusk to dawn,which is prime mosquito biting time. But if you have to go outdoors, you should apply insect repellent containing DEET, picaradin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus to clothes and exposed skin," said Dr. Howell.

State health officials encourage Hoosiers to take steps to rid their properties of potential mosquito breeding grounds by:

* Repairing failed septic systems;

* Drilling holes in the bottom of recycling containers that are left outdoors;

* 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;

* Cleaning clogged roof gutters, particularly if leaves tend to plug up the drains; and

* Aerating ornamental pools, or stock them with mosquito-eating fish. Health officials report that although individuals over age 50 are at greatest risk for serious illness and even death from West Nile virus, people of all ages are susceptible to the virus.

For more information, visit the ISDHWeb site at www.in.gov/ isdh/healthinfo/westnile/index.htm.