(Rising Sun, Ind.) – Add Ohio County to the list of 47 Indiana counties where the potentially-deadly West Nile virus has been found.

The Ohio County Health Department says the virus was detected in a pool of mosquitoes. So far, no human cases of West Nile have been confirmed in the county.

"This is the time of the year when we normally see the most cases of West Nile virus," said Jennifer House, DVM, veterinary epidemiologist at the Indiana State Department of Health.  "Mosquitoes will remain infected and capable of transmitting West Nile virus until they die.  Mosquitoes will not die until we have a good hard freeze.  In the meantime, they are capable of biting, so repellents should be used."

Citizens are advised to take the following steps to avoid being bit by an infected bug:

• Avoid areas where mosquitoes are biting.
• Apply repellant containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus to clothing and exposed skin.
• When possible, wear long sleeves and long pants.

Dr. House urges homeowners to take the following steps:

• Installing or repairing screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out of the home;
• Discarding old tires, tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or other containers that can hold water;
• Repairing failed septic systems;
• Drilling holes in the bottom of recycling containers left outdoors;
• Keeping grass cut short and shrubbery trimmed;
• Cleaning clogged roof gutters, particularly if leaves tend to plug up the drains;
• Frequently replacing the water in pet bowls;
• Flushing ornamental fountains and birdbaths periodically; and
• Aerating ornamental pools, or stock them with predatory fish.

According to the State Department of Health, the West Nile virus usually causes West Nile fever, a milder form of the illness, which can include fever, headache, body aches, swollen lymph glands, or a rash. A small number of individuals can develop a more severe form of the disease with encephalitis or meningitis and other neurological syndromes, including flaccid muscle paralysis. Health officials report individuals age 50 and over are at greatest risk for serious illness and even death from West Nile virus.  However, people of all ages can be and have been infected with the virus.

LINKS:

Indiana State Department of Health - http://www.in.gov/isdh/23592.htm