Confirmed: First Case of West Nile Virus of 2024 Reported in Indiana
The Indiana Department of Health has released details about the first confirmed case in 2024 of West Nile Virus in the state.
West Nile First Appeared in the US in 1999
West Nile virus emerged in the United States in 1999 and quickly spread across the country. Since then, it has been something most of us have taken efforts to prevent every year as the disease is easily transmitted by mosquitoes.
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How West Nile is Transmitted
West Nile virus is transmitted through the bite of infected Culex species mosquitoes. Symptoms typically appear anywhere from three to fourteen days after a mosquito bite.
Symptoms of West Nile
Mild cases of West Nile infections may cause a slight fever or headache, while severe cases manifest with high fever, body aches, disorientation, tremors, convulsions, paralysis, or death. While most infected individuals do not show symptoms, severe cases can lead to meningitis, encephalitis, or even death. People over 60 and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk.
First Reported Case in Indiana for 2024
The first reported case of West Nile Virus for 2024 in Indiana has been confirmed in Lake County. The Indiana Department of Health says that West Nile has been detected in samples collected from fifteen different Hoosier counties.
Preventing Mosquitoes in Your Yard and at Home
The Indiana Department of Health says they expect to see the cases of West Nile Virus rise across the state and recommend residents take precautions to stay safe and healthy.
- Ensure your windows and doors have screens and patch or repair any holes they may have
- Empty standing water from any type of containers like trashcans, tires, pool, bird baths, etc, and remove these containers when and where you can, or ensure water does not pool in them.
- Keep your grass mowed, your bushes trimmed, and your gutters cleaned out.
Preventing Mosquito Bites
To prevent West Nile encephalitis and other mosquito-borne illnesses, it is crucial to reduce mosquito populations and take personal precautions to avoid mosquito bites. The Indiana Department of Health advises that Hoosiers use a reppelent and wear protective clothing.
Use insect repellent. Apply EPA-registered insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, or 2-undecanone according to the label instructions. Wear protective clothing. Wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants. Consider treating clothing and gear with a permethrin product (note: permethrin products should not be applied directly to the skin).
Indiana Residents can view the state's Mosquito-Borne Activity Dashboard to learn more.
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