West Nile virus detected in Michiana mosquitos, how to protect yourself

 

SAINT JOSEPH COUNTY, Ind. -- The Saint Joseph County Department of Health issued a public health advisory Tuesday, warning that mosquitos carrying the West Nile Virus have been located in South Bend.

Two pools of mosquitos tested with the virus were detected.  

Health officials expect more pools to be found in the Michiana area throughout the summer, so they are advising folks to be proactive in fighting off the pesky bugs. 

So, what can you do to protect yourself and your family from it? 

The Saint Joseph County Department of Health recommends the following . . . 

• Staying inside during prime mosquito biting times, which is dusk to dawn. 

• If you must go outside, especially wooded areas, prepare by covering as much exposed skin as comfortably possible by wearing hats, long sleeves, and long pants. 

• When you’re outside, apply insect repellent. 

• If you know you’ll be outside for a long period of time, like camping, you can treat clothing and outdoor gear with 0.5% permethrin, which you can find at your local department store. 

• Make sure the bugs can’t go inside your home. If you have windows and doors open in your home, check that they’re all screened and don’t have any tears or holes. 

On top of keeping yourself protected, experts advise you to eliminate any standing pools of water you may have in and around your home, because that’s where mosquitos typically breed.