West Nile found in Northwoods

For medical confidentiality and personal privacy reasons, further information is not expected to be released about the patient.

The Indiana State Department of Health reports that at least one batch of mosquitoes in the county has tested positive for the potentially-fatal illness. Steps to protect yourself from EEE and West Nile virus include: – Wearing long sleeves and long trousers .

According to the state department of health, there have been a total of 12 confirmed human cases of the virus this year. The risk for being bitten by a mosquito is highest from dusk to dawn and when temperatures are above 50 degrees.

People with asthma or other respiratory conditions are encouraged to stay inside during spraying since direct exposure could worsen these conditions.

Most people who are infected with the virus will not show any symptoms. Flu-like symptoms may include fever, headache, body aches, skin rashes and swollen lymph glands.

Symptoms typically occur between three and 14 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. There are no medications to treat or vaccines to prevent WNV infection. The virus is commonly found in Africa, Europe, the Middle East, North America and West Asia.

 Properly dispose of items that hold water, such as tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots, or discarded tires. Even small items, such as drinking cups or soda cans, can produce mosquitoes.

– get rid of standing water, aside from pools properly treated with chemicals. “And if for some reason you did start feeling bad, see your physician”. While they are biting, they are capable of spreading the virus.