West Nile found in Jay

On Friday, Jay County Health Department reported mosquitoes in Jay County have tested positive for West Nile Virus.

The health department is encouraging area residents to take precautions, including wearing long sleeves and applying insect repellent, especially from dusk to dawn when mosquitoes are most active. Residents should also remove any stagnant water, which is a breeding ground for mosquitoes, as well as cleaning clogged gutters.

West Nile Virus was also found in mosquitoes in Jay County in 2017, ’18, ’21 and ’22.

“It’s a little earlier this year than it was last year,” health department environmentalist and administrator Heath Butz. (The report of West Nile Virus in the county last year came on Aug. 17.) “We’ve got the same level of precautions.

“Our main goal is to get the information out there so everybody is aware and can take the appropriate precautions to protect themselves.”

Statewide the virus has been identified in mosquitoes in 28 counties, including Blackford. In most, like Jay County, four or fewer mosquito infections have been found. Five or more have been identified in Marion, Hamilton and St. Joseph counties.

The health department noted that most who contract West Nile Virus have few or no symptoms, which include headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea and rash, is transmitted to humans when they are bitten by an infected mosquito.

Those over 60 or with compromised immune systems are at higher risk for severe illness, which can include tremors, encephalitis, coma and paralysis.

For more information, call the health department at (260) 726- 8080. Brochures are also available at the health department, 504 W. Arch St., from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.