West Nile virus begins to spread in Indiana

COUNTY OF TIPPECANOE, Ind. (WLFI) – Health officials say mosquitoes are positive for West Nile virus in Elkhart and Carroll counties.

There have been no reports of humans affected by the virus, but the authorities want to warn people as the mosquito season progresses.

The Indiana Department of Health said that these positive results occur in almost every county in the state and that they begin to check in June until the end of the year. end of October. Because this problem is sometimes unavoidable, the department said that checking the label on your repellent is the key.

"When they (the Department of Health) notice it, it's a sign that it's getting ready to spread in the human population," said Craig Rich, administrator of the health department of Tippecanoe County.

Rich says the department is taking crews to breeding sites to check active mosquito larvae to identify what species they are.

"They will check with the health department to see where they have had problems in the past, and then they will settle in places."

Ralph Lauren, Professor Emeritus of Purdue, said this report is for inspectors to catch them before they spread.

"It's more about alerting the health departments that mosquito activity is positive," Williams said.

According to the state's Department of Health, anyone who is near a stagnant water source must make sure that she has to repellent and check the active ingredients inside to avoid West Nile virus.

"The first step in controlling West Nile virus is to look for the types of mosquitoes that will transmit this disease," Williams said.

Ingredients, including DEET, picaridine, IR3535 and others are what is suggested to keep mosquitoes away. The use of "all natural" methods can prevent the disease from reaching the human skin.

"There are a lot of concoctions, there are a lot of things, but the insect repellent registered by the EPA, which will appear on the label, will have an EPA registration number. which will have proved its effectiveness. "

The department recommends that you empty the water of places where it could stagnate for a few days. Pool covers, gutters and flowerpots can also be a place where water can be collected.