As of June 14, two human cases of West Nile virus have been documented in Hamilton and Lake counties, and mosquitoes in Morgan and Tippecanoe counties have tested positive for West Nile virus.
The mosquitoes that carry West Nile tend to shy away from light, and are active mostly at night, though they can also be out at dusk and dawn and in shady areas during the day. Any water left standing for more than one week in containers such as flower pots, fountains and pet dishes provides the ideal breeding habitat for mosquitoes.
Use a recommended mosquito repellent that contains DEET while you are outdoors.
Residents are strongly encouraged to take all appropriate measures to avoid mosquito bites as it is the best prevention for West Nile virus.
“When it comes to mosquitoes, the hot topic is the species that can transmit Zika virus, but the reality right now in the Coachella Valley is that West Nile virus is active and spreading among out local mosquito population”, said Jill Oviatt, district spokeswoman.
Most people infected with the virus never show any symptoms. In rare but severe cases, symptoms can include high fever, neck pain, severe headache, a rash on the torso and disorientation, which may be signs of encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), according to the news release. Most people with this type of West Nile virus disease recover completely, but fatigue and weakness can last for weeks or months. Learn how here http://www.scdhec.gov/HomeAndEnvironment/ReportIt/ReportDeadBirds/ . The case reported Friday is in Forrest County. Learn how here https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/beaufort-county-mosquito-control/id1003275667?ls=1&mt;=8 or here https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.bcgov.bcmc . “It’s the most important step you can take to prevent the spread of illness from mosquitoes to humans”.