INDIANAPOLIS —The first case of West Nile virus (WNV) disease in Indiana in 2026 has been reported in an Allen County resident. No additional information about the case will be released to protect patient privacy.
Mosquito testing by the Indiana Department of Health shows that the risk for WNV is elevated across the state. Specifically, 33 counties have had mosquitoes test positive for West Nile virus, including Monroe County. Indiana reported 39 human cases of WNV in 2025.
“All Hoosiers should take precautions to prevent mosquito bites while outdoors,” said State Health Commissioner Lindsay Weaver, M.D., FACEP. “The risk for mosquito-borne diseases won’t go away until the first hard freeze this fall.”
Most people infected with West Nile virus have no symptoms. Some will develop flu-like symptoms, which can include fever, headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or a rash. A small number will develop a more severe form of the disease affecting the nervous system, including inflammation in the brain and spinal cord, muscle paralysis, or even death.
People older than 60 years and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of severe West Nile virus disease. People who think they may have West Nile virus disease should see their healthcare providers.
Hoosiers who live in areas recovering from severe weather report increases in floodwater mosquito populations. While these mosquitoes do not typically carry human diseases, they can be a cause of discomfort, and there are ways to help control their population.
Steps to prevent mosquito-borne diseases include:
- 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).
- Install screens on windows and doors and keep them in good repair.
- Look for containers that could hold water, such as trash, tires, buckets, toys, pools, birdbaths, flowerpot saucers, or trash containers.
- Prevent mosquitoes from accessing containers. This can be done by removing trash; moving items indoors; covering or overturning items not in use; drilling holes in the bottom of trash containers; installing screens on rain barrels; replacing water in pet bowls daily; and flushing birdbaths, fountains, and other containers at least once a week.
- Maintain properties and landscaping in good condition. This includes regularly servicing septic systems, keeping grass mowed and shrubs trimmed, cleaning gutters regularly, and aerating ornamental pools or stocking them with predatory fish.
Hoosiers can monitor mosquito activity and disease risk throughout the season by visiting the Indiana Mosquito-Borne Activity Dashboard to learn more.
Visit the Indiana Department of Health at www.health.in.gov for important health and safety information or follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/StateHealthIN.
