Two Cases Of West Nile Virus Reported

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(HAMMOND) - Two more cases of the mosquito-borne West Nile Virus in humans have been reported in Indiana.

Two Hammond men, ages 74 and 67 have recently been diagnosed. Hammond Health Officer Administrator Rodrigo Panares says the men are both hospitalized with acute disease.

Two other cases of the disease were reported previously. One case was in Lake County in Northwest Indiana and the other was in Randolph County in East-Central Indiana. There were 80 cases of West Nile Virus in humans reported in Indiana last year. Five of those cases resulted in death.

The city of Hammond is stepping up spraying efforts. Meanwhile, residents are advised to wear protective clothing, avoid being outdoors during prime mosquito biting times, dusk to dawn, when possible and apply insect repellent containing DEET.

Health officials say that although individuals over age 50 are at greatest risk for serious illness and even death from West Nile Virus, people of all ages have been infected with the virus and have had severe disease.

State health officials say the previous hot, dry weather conditions have created the perfect breeding environment for the mosquitoes that carry the West Nile Virus.

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