A mosquito biting a person (Gabor Bibor)
The hot August weather may be slowing the activity levels of Indiana residents, but the same cannot be said of Indiana mosquitoes. The recent high temperatures have increased the mosquito population and with it the risk of West Nile virus infection.
The Marion County Health Department first confirmed the discovery of West Nile positive mosquitoes in mid-July. Less than one month later, the Indiana State Department of Health reports another 13 Indiana counties have confirmed the West Nile virus in their local mosquito populations.
"Based on past experience, the recent hot weather is a big factor for the increase in positive mosquitoes," said Jennifer House, DVM, director, Zoonotic and Environmental Epidemiology at the Indiana State Department of Health, in an August 10 press release. "Because of this, there is an increased risk for human cases."
Since 2002, the first year Indiana confirmed a human West Nile virus infection, over 20 state residents have died from the disease. There have been no confirmed reports of West Nile virus in humans in Indiana so far this year.
"Besides West Nile, mosquitoes can spread several different disease causing viruses, including St. Louis Encephalitis, La Crosse Encephalitis and Eastern Equine Encephalitis," said Dr. House. "Mosquito transmitted diseases commonly occur in August and September so Hoosiers should take the proper precautions to prevent being bitten."
For tips on how to prevent a mosquito bite, see the article "Indiana health officials remind Hoosiers to protect themselves from mosquito-transmitted diseases."
As of August 10, 2010, the following 14 Indiana counties have confirmed West Nile activity: Adams, Allen, Clinton, Delaware, Grant, Hamilton, Hendricks, Howard, Kosciusko, Lake, Madison, Marion, Montgomery and Wabash.
A look back: On August 13, 2009, WISH-TV 8 Indianapolis reported the death of an Indiana man who had contracted West Nile virus. It was the first West Nile virus death in Marion County since 2006.
Related information:
-
West Nile virus discovered in Marion County - What is West Nile virus and what are the symptoms?
- More mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus found in Marion County - Which Indianapolis neighborhoods have reported positive for the virus? (updated)
- Indiana health officials offer tips on how to control mosquitoes and prevent bites
- Old tires are prime breeding ground for mosquitoes
- Eastern Equine Encephalitis found in Indiana mosquitoes
Comments
The mosquitos love to swarm right outside my front door... its like they are hunting me, waiting for a chance to bite me and create those horrible bumps...
I don't know what it is about me, but the mosquitoes really seem to swarm and bite me. They'll fly right passed by husband and head right for me.
Leaving for England this week. Will be back beginning of September.
Mosquitos in Michigan have started to get really bad past week or so. Need to share this with everyone just in case we starg seeing West Nile cases around here.
These guys are out and about here in MS and they just seems to know where I am at any time. If one slips into the house I am sure to be bitten. They are awful.
Winona Home & Living Examiner
YUCK! I hate mosquitoes!
Amanda: Great article, and reminder to all of us. My friend was bitten last year and got meningitis. Took a while for Chee Chee to get well. This year we have a citronella plant on our patio. We had been using the candle, but found the plant to be a better choice.
Being a gardener, it seems I'm always dumping water out of something so that they can't breed, but they'll breed in an ounce of water, so it's hard. I hate mosquitoes.
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