First positive county test for West Nile virus reported

Despite the prevalence of dry conditions locally, and the peak mosquito season winding down, Putnam County has recorded its first positive test for the West Nile virus this season.

Darrell Brackney, environmental health specialist for the Putnam County Health Department, told the Banner Graphic Friday that mosquitoes trapped in northern Putnam County and sent to the state for testing have tested positive in recent days.

The mosquitoes that tested positive were trapped near the Roachdale wastewater treatment plant, Brackney reported.

"That's the third year in a row they've tested positive up there," he said.

"I just wanted to give everyone a heads-up that they need to be vigilant and protect themselves against mosquito bites because they are testing positive," he added.

That's not to mislead anyone into thinking West Nile virus is on the rampage locally. It only means mosquitoes in the area have tested positive for the ability to transmit the virus and other mosquito-borne diseases.

Brackney urges local residents to take precautions such as emptying birdbaths, disposing of old tires, cleaning gutters or checking anything else that might trap water and allow it to stagnate.

Overall, mosquitoes in 27 other counties have tested positive for the virus so far in 2015.

The other affected counties include Allen, Blackford, Boone, Clark, Clinton, Crawford, Delaware, Dubois, Elkhart, Floyd, Fulton, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Marion, Marshall, Miami, Montgomery, Morgan, Orange, Perry, Ripley, Shelby, Vanderburgh, Vigo, Wabash and Wells.

"Unfortunately, this is the time of the year when West Nile virus infection is on the rise and Hoosiers are at a greater risk of getting West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne viruses," State Health Commissioner Jerome Adams said. "The good news though is that you can prevent these diseases by taking precautions like using insect repellent and wearing pants and long sleeves if you're walking in any wooded or marshy areas."

Meanwhile, the first human case of West Nile virus infection in Indiana has been reported in Huntington County.

State health officials recommend several preventative measures:

-- Avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are active (late afternoon and dusk to dawn and early morning).

-- Apply insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus or paramenthanediol to clothes and exposed skin.

-- Install or repair screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out of the home.

West Nile virus can cause West Nile fever, a mild form of the illness, which can include fever, headache, body aches, swollen lymph glands or a rash. Some individuals will develop a more severe form of the disease with encephalitis or meningitis and other severe syndromes, including muscle paralysis or even death.

People who think they may have contracted West Nile virus should see their healthcare provider.