Mosquitoes Carrying West Nile Virus Found In Marion County

The Marion County Public Health Department says it's found the first mosquitoes of the season to test positive for West Nile virus.

Each year, the health department’s Mosquito Control program collects mosquitoes from traps placed in areas around the county to monitor the population and test for West Nile virus. If mosquitoes test positive, prevention efforts are stepped up in the area where the trap is located.

The health department says no human cases of West Nile virus have been reported in Marion County so far this year.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says most people infected with the virus do not develop symptoms, which include headache, body aches, joint pains or rash. People with medical conditions like cancer, diabetes and kidney disease are at greater risk for experiencing symptoms.  Less than one percent of people who are infected with West Nile virus will develop a serious neurologic illness such as encephalitis or meningitis.

The health department is encouraging residents to follow "the four Ds" of mosquito control to help reduce the mosquito population and avoid bites:

• DUSK – Stay indoors from dusk until dawn. If you do spend time outdoors….
• DRESS – Wear long sleeves and long pants when outside during these times.
• DEET – Use insect repellent containing DEET.
• DRAINAGE – Remove all standing water outside the home.

More information about mosquito prevention is available through the Marion County Public Health Department’s Mosquito Control program online or by phone, (317) 221-7440.