The Greene County Health Department has been notified by the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) that mosquitoes collected in Greene County have tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV) at the state public health laboratory.

Because IDOH reports mosquito surveillance results at the county level, a positive sample means the entire county should be considered at risk for West Nile virus. Residents throughout Greene County, not just in one neighborhood or township, should take steps now to eliminate mosquito breeding sites on their property and to protect themselves from mosquito bites.

“Finding West Nile virus in our mosquito population is a signal to act, not a reason to panic,” said Dylan Gann, Environmental Health Specialist of the Greene County Health Department. “The single most effective thing Greene County residents can do this week is walk their property and dump out anything holding water. Mosquitoes that carry West Nile virus breed in containers as small as a bottle cap, and most of them come from our own backyards.”

What West Nile virus is

West Nile virus is the most commonly reported mosquito-borne disease in Indiana and in the United States. It is spread by the bite of an infected Culex mosquito, a species found throughout Indiana that bites most often between dusk and dawn. West Nile virus is not spread from person to person. According to IDOH, about 80 percent of people infected with West Nile virus never develop symptoms. About 20 percent develop a mild illness — fever, headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, or rash — that typically begins 2 to 14 days after the bite. Fewer than 1 percent develop severe illness affecting the nervous system, which can include encephalitis, meningitis, or paralysis, and can be fatal.

Adults over 60 and people with underlying conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or cancer are at higher risk for severe illness. There is no vaccine and no specific medication to treat West Nile virus in people; severe cases require supportive hospital care. Anyone who develops a high fever, severe headache, confusion, stiff neck, or muscle weakness after mosquito exposure should contact a health care provider.

What residents should do

The Greene County Health Department urges every household in the county to take three steps:

DRAIN standing water every week.

Mosquitoes that spread West Nile virus lay eggs in standing water. Once a week, empty and scrub, turn over, cover, or throw out anything outdoors that holds water:

Tires, buckets, and barrels
Flowerpots and plant saucers
Birdbaths, pet bowls, and livestock troughs
Children’s toys and wading pools
Tarps, trash cans, and recycling bins
Clogged gutters and downspouts
Unused or unmaintained swimming pools and hot tubs

Keep grass and weeds cut short, and repair cracked septic tanks and cover vents and open pipes with fine wire mesh.

DRESS to keep mosquitoes off your skin.

When outdoors, especially between dusk and dawn, wear long sleeves, long pants, socks, and closed-toe shoes. Clothing and gear (but never skin) can be treated with 0.5 percent permethrin, which stays effective through several washings.

DEFEND with EPA-registered insect repellent.

Apply repellent to exposed skin and follow the label directions. Look for products containing:

DEET
Picaridin
IR3535
Oil of lemon eucalyptus
Para-menthane-diol (PMD)
2-undecanone

Do not apply insect repellent to infants under 2 months old. Do not use oil of lemon, eucalyptus, or para-menthane-diol products on children under 3 years old.

Also make sure window and door screens are installed and in good repair and use air conditioning rather than open windows and doors where possible.

Horse owners

West Nile virus can cause severe neurologic disease in horses. A safe and effective equine vaccine is available. Horse owners are encouraged to talk with their veterinarian about vaccination and boosters.

Community mosquito control

The Greene County Health Department encourages towns, neighborhood associations, and property managers across the county to reduce standing water on public and common property and to coordinate any local mosquito control efforts. Residents with questions about mosquito breeding sites or nuisance standing water in their community may contact the health department at (812) 384-4496.

For more information contact the Greene County Health Department: (812) 384-4496, 217 E. Spring Street, Suite 1, Bloomfield, IN 47424

IDOH mosquito bite prevention: in.gov mosquito bite prevention

IDOH West Nile virus information: in.gov West Nile virus