State officials warn of West Nile virus threat
Comet staff report

State health officials are urging Hoosiers to take steps to protect themselves from West Nile virus (WNV), which is transmitted by mosquitoes.

"The hot weather will likely cause an increase in the number of Culex mosquitoes that carry West Nile, which increases the risk to humans," said James Howell, DVM, veterinary epidemiologist, Indiana State Department of Health. "Any time we have hot, dry weather, these types of mosquitoes breed much more quickly in containers or in stagnant water."

So far in Indiana this year, four counties have reported WNV-positive mosquito pools - Delaware, Lake, Marion, and Vanderburgh. There have been no reported positive cases in birds or humans. There were 80 cases and five deaths in Indiana in 2006.

"Late July, August, and September have been the months that most human West Nile cases occur," said Dr. Howell. "We'll continue to see cases until evening temperatures are below 50 degrees, and we have a hard frost."

Health officials recommend that people take the following protective steps when they are outdoors:

* Avoid being outdoors during prime mosquito biting times, dusk to dawn, when possible.

* Apply insect repellent containing DEET, picaradin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus to clothes and exposed skin.

* Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants.

Hoosiers can also rid their properties of potential mosquito breeding grounds.

* Repair failed septic systems.

* Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers that are left outdoors.

* Keep grass cut short and shrubbery trimmed.

* Dispose of old tires, tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or other unused containers that can hold water.

* Every week, empty and clean any containers used to hold water.

* Clean clogged roof gutters, particularly if leaves tend to plug up the drains.

* Aerate ornamental pools, or stock them with predatory fish.

Although people over age 50 are at greatest risk for serious illness and even death from WNV, people of all ages have been infected with the virus and have had severe disease.

For more information on West Nile virus, visit www.statehealth.in.gov.