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Last updated on Wednesday, August 14, 2013
(MONROE CO.) - Mosquitoes from Monroe County have tested positive for the West Nile Virus.
However, there are no confirmed human cases of West Nile in Monroe County.
Amy Reel, public affairs director for the Indiana State Department of Health, says the only confirmed human case of West Nile for the 2013 season was reported in Ripley County.
She added that mosquitoes carrying West Nile have been found in 35 counties throughout Indiana.
Mosquitoes with West Nile breed in places such as ditches, discarded tires, birdbaths and clogged roof gutters. To help protect your family and the community officials are asking residents to clear any standing water on or near your property.
West Nile is transmitted to humans by mosquitoes that have bitten infected birds. A person bitten by infected mosquitoes may show symptoms from three to 15 days after the bite. Most people who become infected will experience mild to no symptoms.
A few individuals will have a more severe form of the disease including encephalitis or meningitis. Those over 50 years old are at a higher risk for serious illness.
People who experience the following symptoms should see a doctor immediately: high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, muscle weakness or paralysis, nausea, vomiting, sore joints or confusion.
There is no specific treatment for West Nile, and no vaccine is available for humans.
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