VIGO COUNTY, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — While two incidents of mosquitoes testing positive for West Nile Virus have been found in Vigo County this summer, officials at the health department say that number is good in comparison to surrounding counties.
Vigo County Health Educator Shelby Jackson said while the presence of a positive West Nile detection may seem alarming, no cases of West Nile Virus in humans have been detected so far this summer.
Two bodies of water in the county have reportedly had a mosquito test positive.
Jackson encourages everyone to be proactive about the possibility of contracting West Nile through a mosquito bite. In addition to personal protection, keeping up with possible mosquito breeding spots around your property and environment is also advised.
“It is much easier to prevent mosquito bites from happening as compared to treatment for West Nile Virus,” Jackson said. “Please spray repellant on any person who may be outside, it only takes a short amount of time, this time of year, between being outside and getting bit by a mosquito or two.”
Some tips the health department recommends are as follows:
- Wear mosquito repellant when outdoors
- Empty containers that may hold standstill water.
- Bird baths, animal troughs, and watering dishes for pets are encouraged to be scrubbed while changing out water often to prevent mosquitoes from breeding.
- Properly water potted plants to prevent puddles that can become a breeding ground.
Jackson reminds residents that a mosquito only needs a quarter of an inch of water to lay eggs, and prefer to do so in dark areas. Jackson encourages residents to be on the lookout especially after it rains for standing water, and when they see it, dump it out.
