First 2022 case of West Nile virus in Indiana reported in Lake County
The first West Nile virus case of 2022 was detected in a Lake County resident, the Indiana Department of Health announced in a news release Thursday.
To protect their privacy, no other information was released about the person infected in the northwest part of the state.
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In addition, West Nile virus was observed in a sampling of mosquitoes from Steuben County in northeast Indiana, the news release said.
“All Hoosiers should take precautions to protect themselves against mosquito bites at their 4th of July celebrations and for the rest of the summer,” state public health veterinarian Jennifer Brown said in the news release. “We are at risk for mosquito-borne disease through the first hard freeze.”
Indiana had 12 total cases and one death due to West Nile virus in 2021, according to the CDC. This data includes both confirmed and probable cases of the virus.
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To track mosquito-borne infections in Indiana, use this map: gis.in.gov/apps/ISDH/Arbo/
What is West Nile virus?
West Nile virus is a disease that spreads via mosquito transmission. Mosquitoes become infected with the disease by feeding on wild birds that have the disease. They then spread it to humans, horses and other mammals.
Notably, humans and others who get the disease from mosquitoes cannot then spread the disease to others.
It can also be spread through blood transfusions or organ donations, but donated blood in the U.S. is screened for West Nile virus.
It's the most commonly reported mosquito-borne illness in Indiana and the U.S. writ large, according to the Indiana Department of Health.
While the majority of people, around 80%, infected with West Nile virus do not experience any symptoms, some develop a mild illness, which can include symptoms like fever, headache, body aches, swollen lymph glands or a rash.
Signs and symptoms normally appear within two to 14 days of a bite from a mosquito infected with West Nile virus.
In less than 1% of cases, people can develop a more serious iteration of the disease, which will affect the nervous system. This can result in inflammation in the brain and spinal cord, paralysis of muscles and in severe cases, death.
People over the age of 60 and those with compromised immune systems or some medical conditions, such as cancer or diabetes, are susceptible to more severe illness.
There's no specific medication to treat West Nile virus.
How can I prevent West Nile virus?
You can prevent infection with West Nile virus by preventing mosquito activity and bites.
Residents should take great care to eliminate standing water, as it's a breeding ground for mosquitoes:
Get rid of containers like old tires, cans and pots that can hold stagnant water
Fix septic systems that are failing
Drill holes in the bottoms of outdoor recycling containers
Clean roof gutters that are clogged, especially if leaves are plugging up the drains
Make sure shrubbery is trimmed and grass is cut short
Flush out fountains
Aerate ornamental pools or put predatory fish in then
Make sure pets have fresh water and replace it regularly
Install or repair screens on your home's windows and doors to keep mosquitos out
In addition, people should take care when outside to wear long sleeves, long pants and hats in active mosquito areas and to apply an EPA-registered insect repellent to exposed areas.
The health department also recommends that people should try to avoid being outside during active mosquito times: early morning, late afternoon and from dusk until dawn.
Contact IndyStar trending reporter Claire Rafford at crafford@gannett.com or on Twitter @clairerafford.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana West Nile virus: First 2022 case reported in Lake County
