38 pools of mosquitoes test positive for West Nile Virus in St. Joseph County

ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Ind. -- The St. Joseph County Department of Health reports there have been 38 pools of mosquitoes that tested positive for West Nile Virus within the county so far this year.

Health department officials say residents should be aware of the threat in our area as mosquitoes are being regularly trapped and increasingly testing positive for WNV.

Officials say there have already been three documented human cases of WNV in other Indiana counties this year.

According to officials, the threat of the virus will persist until a hard freeze. Additionally, officials say Eastern Equine Encephalitis has been detected in lower Michigan.

Officials say signs and symptoms of WNV disease usually appear within two to 14 days of a bite from an infected mosquito.

Symptoms may include headaches, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash.

Officials say most people with this type of WNV disease recover completely, but some can have persistent fatigue and weakness.

For some, WNV can be severe, according to officials.

If you think you have WNV disease, health department officials recommend you contact your health care provider.

Officials encourage residents to take the following steps to protect yourself and others from mosquitoes:

• Avoid being outdoors during prime mosquito biting times - dusk to dawn - when possible.
• Apply an EPA-registered insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or para-methane-diol to clothes and exposed skin.
• Cover exposed skin by wearing a hat, long sleeves and long pants in places where mosquitoes are especially active, such as wooded areas.
• Treat clothing and outdoor gear with .5 percent permethrin if camping or spending extended periods of time outdoors.
• Make sure all windows and doors have screens, and that all screens are in good repair.
• Reduce mosquito breeding on and around your property.

Officials with the St. Joseph County Department of Health state they do treat for mosquitoes, including spraying when public health threats are detected.

You can find more information or sign up for spraying alerts on the St. Joseph County Department of Health's website.