Culex mosquito larvae maturing in standing water. Four out of the
seven species of Culex mosquitoes found in Indiana are known to
transmit the West Nile virus. (James Gathany, CDC)
The Marion County Health Department has confirmed the discovery of mosquitoes carrying the West Nile virus on the east side of Indianapolis in Warren Township.
"This tells us mosquitoes carrying the virus are active. This is what we typically see at this time of year. We also know mosquitoes with West Nile virus are likely in most areas of the county, this is just the first site where we have confirmation," said Chuck Dulla, administrator of the health department's mosquito control program, in a July 13, 2010 press release.
What is West Nile virus?
West Nile virus is a disease transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. While most people (about 80%) will not experience symptoms from the virus, infection can lead to severe illness in some individuals. Adults over the age of 50 and individuals with an impaired immune system have the highest risk of developing severe illness from the virus.
West Nile virus symptoms develop within 3 to 15 days after the infecting mosquito bite. Mild symptoms, which occur in approximately 20% of cases, include low-grade fever, headache, body aches, nausea, and swollen lymph glands. A rash that spreads across the chest, stomach and back is also common. These symptoms can last from a few days to several weeks.
In severe cases, the West Nile virus can cause inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) or the tissue covering the brain and spinal cord (meningitis). The Indiana State Department of Health recommends individuals seek medical attention if they develop any of the following symptoms after receiving a mosquito bite:
- High fever
- Severe headache
- Neck stiffness
- Muscle weakness or paralysis
- Nausea, vomiting
- Sore joints
- Confusion
Preventing West Nile virus through mosquito population control
The key to preventing the spread of West Nile virus is controlling the local mosquito population. An important and effective way to do this is by reducing their preferred breeding ground of standing water.
In the above-mentioned press release, Marion County health officials remind residents take a few minutes to walk around their home, work, and recreation areas to look for items capable of holding even the smallest amount of water. These items should be emptied, then covered, stored, or thrown away.
Indianapolis area residents who have questions or need help with mosquitoes can contact the Marion County Health Department Mosquito Control at 317-221-7440.
Video: Healthbeat - West Nile Virus
Related information:
- Indiana health officials remind Hoosiers to protect themselves from mosquito-transmitted diseases
- As the temperature rises, so does the risk of mosquito-transmitted West Nile virus
- More mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus found in Marion County (updated)
- Eastern Equine Encephalitis found in Indiana mosquitoes
Comments
I'm watching for them here in Michigan. We are loaded with mosquitoes. Good article.
Great info! I have been on the watch for West Nile in SLC. So far so good.
This was really good and informative. Thank you. I'm glad you gave the symptoms to look out for.
Louisiana was loaded with them...now in Mississippi it hasn't been bad so far...try not to keep containers lying about because of that reason. In LA it was tough we had a lake in our back yard.
Great information and explanation of what it is, how to prevent it and what the symptoms are. Very important.
Too close to home.
Good info! I'm allergic to mosquito bites, so I'm super-cautious about standing water in my yard.
Thanks for the article with the list of symptoms. Better informed and cautious.
Great article! Thanks for listing symptoms! ;)
Thats all we need....another reason to get another shot! ugh!
great info! Thanks for posting.
Thanks for the info. That's just slightly terrifying!
Good info. They've been spraying around here because they've confirmed mosquitoes carrying the virus.
Great info. We've got quite a mosquito problem here as well.
Wow, that's scary. I hate mosquitoes...Thanks for the info on this!
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