ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Ind. – The St. Joseph County Department of Health is warning residents of the increased presence of mosquito-borne disease in the county ahead of the Labor Day weekend.

This week, the West Nile Virus was detected in mosquitos in three different locations: Mishawaka, Osceola, and Clay Township.

Other areas around Michiana have also seen recent West Nile Virus cases in mosquitos, including South Bend, Penn Township, Elkhart County, and Berrien and Cass Counties.

Eastern Equine Encephalitis has also been detected in lower Michigan.

No human cases of West Nile Virus or EEE have been detected in Indiana or Michigan in 2021.

The Department of Health continues to monitor for mosquito-borne disease.

The Department encourages residents to take the following steps to protect you and your family from mosquitoes:

• 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, oil of lemon eucalyptus or para-menthane-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;
• Install or repair screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out of the home

To reduce potential mosquito breeding grounds:

• Discard old tires, tin cans, ceramic pots or other containers that can hold water;
• Repair failed septic systems;
• Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers left outdoors;
• 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; aerate ornamental pools, or stock them with predatory fish.

Click here for more information about West Nile Virus.