July 23, 2014 at 2:10 p.m.
Officials warn of West Nile
Virus detected in mosquitoes
A significant number of mosquitoes captured this month in Portland tested positive for West Nile virus, a county health official said this morning.
Dr. Stephen Myron, Jay County health officer, said that eight of 20 groups of mosquitoes tested positive for the virus. “This is pretty significant,” Myron said. Typically, only one out of 10 groups tests positive.
The mosquitoes were collected Aug. 10 at 1315 Shady Lane, near the Portland Wastewater Treatment Plant.
The 2,000 mosquitoes were separated into groups of 100, and tested by the Indiana State Department of Health.
West Nile virus can be transmitted to humans and other mammals — including horses, birds, dogs and cats — by infected mosquitoes.
Dr. Myron said anyone who suffers symptoms of West Nile disease — which include fever, headache, body aches, swollen lymph glands or a rash — should contact their doctor. If untreated, the virus can lead to encephalitis or meningitis. He expects local physicians to start seeing cases of humans infected with West Nile disease, but none have been reported in Jay County thus far in 2010.
Individuals over the age of 50 are at greatest risk for serious illness or death caused by the West Nile Virus. Since 2002, 20 Hoosiers have died from the virus, according to a press release.
Dave Houck said this morning that increased frequency of spraying could be done, but that mosquitoes can move up to a mile.
Doug Blankenbaker, an assistant superintendent with the street and park departments said this morning spraying will continue city-wide one time per week, but the area directly adjacent to the wastewater treatment plant will be sprayed a total of three times each week — including two times each Thursday (beginning today).
All the other incorporated and unincorporated communities in the county — Salamonia, Bryant, Redkey, Dunkirk, Pennville and New Corydon — are sprayed once a week for mosquitoes, Houck said. Six subdivisions and a mobile home park in the county also are sprayed, he said. Houck said those areas will continue to be sprayed once a week.
To avoid contact with mosquitoes, local residents should avoid being outdoors during prime mosquito biting times, such as at dusk, Myron said. They also should windows and doors closed and wear long-sleeved shirts and pants when possible.
For more information, contact the Jay County Health Department at (260) 726-8080 or visit www.statehealth.IN.gov.[[In-content Ad]]
Dr. Stephen Myron, Jay County health officer, said that eight of 20 groups of mosquitoes tested positive for the virus. “This is pretty significant,” Myron said. Typically, only one out of 10 groups tests positive.
The mosquitoes were collected Aug. 10 at 1315 Shady Lane, near the Portland Wastewater Treatment Plant.
The 2,000 mosquitoes were separated into groups of 100, and tested by the Indiana State Department of Health.
West Nile virus can be transmitted to humans and other mammals — including horses, birds, dogs and cats — by infected mosquitoes.
Dr. Myron said anyone who suffers symptoms of West Nile disease — which include fever, headache, body aches, swollen lymph glands or a rash — should contact their doctor. If untreated, the virus can lead to encephalitis or meningitis. He expects local physicians to start seeing cases of humans infected with West Nile disease, but none have been reported in Jay County thus far in 2010.
Individuals over the age of 50 are at greatest risk for serious illness or death caused by the West Nile Virus. Since 2002, 20 Hoosiers have died from the virus, according to a press release.
Dave Houck said this morning that increased frequency of spraying could be done, but that mosquitoes can move up to a mile.
Doug Blankenbaker, an assistant superintendent with the street and park departments said this morning spraying will continue city-wide one time per week, but the area directly adjacent to the wastewater treatment plant will be sprayed a total of three times each week — including two times each Thursday (beginning today).
All the other incorporated and unincorporated communities in the county — Salamonia, Bryant, Redkey, Dunkirk, Pennville and New Corydon — are sprayed once a week for mosquitoes, Houck said. Six subdivisions and a mobile home park in the county also are sprayed, he said. Houck said those areas will continue to be sprayed once a week.
To avoid contact with mosquitoes, local residents should avoid being outdoors during prime mosquito biting times, such as at dusk, Myron said. They also should windows and doors closed and wear long-sleeved shirts and pants when possible.
For more information, contact the Jay County Health Department at (260) 726-8080 or visit www.statehealth.IN.gov.[[In-content Ad]]
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