West Nile Virus detected in Elkhart County

ELKHART, Ind - The West Nile Virus has been detected in Elkhart County.

Mary Wade-Taxter of the Indiana State Department of Health confirmed with those findings with ABC57.

The West Nile virus is spread by infected mosquitoes and can cause a rash, fever and body aches.

In severe cases with at risk populations the symptoms can be worse.

At risk populations include the elderly, and people with chronic illnesses.

“Those people are at a higher risk of developing severe symptoms like a coma, tremors, muscle weakness, and paralysis” Indiana State Health Department Epidemiologist Taryn Stevens said.

West Nile is found every year in the Michiana are and it’s “present in the birds in the area” Mary Wade-Taxter said.

Taryn Stevens cautioned anyone who suspects they’ve been infected with the virus to seek medical attention immediately.