ELKHART COUNTY, Ind. - The Elkhart County Health Department has been notified by the Indiana Department of Health that adult mosquitoes collected in Elkhart County have tested positive for West Nile Virus.

The mosquitoes were collected on July 5.

WNV transmission tends to be higher in the late summer and early fall, so the potential exists for individuals to be impacted soon by WNV or other mosquito borne diseases.

Mosquitoes will remain active at temperatures above 60 degrees Fahrenheit and tend to be more active in the evening and pre-dawn hours.

Precautions should be taken to protect you and your family from mosquitoes.

Common precautions include:

• Avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are active (especially late afternoon, dusk to dawn and early morning).
• Apply an EPA-registered insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus to clothes and exposed skin.
• Cover exposed skin by wearing long sleeves and long pants when outdoors.
• Install or repair screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out of the home.

Even a container as small as a bottle cap can breed mosquitoes, so residents should take the following steps to eliminate potential breeding grounds.

• Discard old tires, tin cans, ceramic pots, or other containers that can hold water.
• Repair failed septic systems.
• Keep grass cut short and shrubbery trimmed.
• Clean clogged roof gutters particularly if leaves tend to plug up the drains.
• Frequently replace the water in pet bowls.
• Flush ornamental fountains and birdbaths periodically and aerate ornamental ponds.
• Keep swimming pools clean, chlorinated, and operating.

Contact the Elkhart County Health Department at (574) 971-4600 with any questions.