West Nile has been found in Evansville. Here are health department tips on staying safe

Sarah Loesch, Evansville Courier & Press
·1 min read

EVANSVILLE — The Vanderburgh County Health Department announced Friday that West Nile virus had been detected within Evansville.

In a news release sent by department administrator Joe Gries, it states a sample group of mosquitoes from a surveillance trap tested positive for the disease. It's the first positive test in the county this year.

"So far there have been 173 positive sample groups within 54 counties in Indiana," the release states.

The health department is asking the public to take precautions against mosquito bites.

What are the symptoms of West Nile virus?

The virus can cause West Nile Fever, which can include fever, headache, body aches, swollen lymph glands or a rash.

In more serious cases it can affect the nervous system causing:

  • inflammation in the brain and spinal cord

  • muscle paralysis

  • death

Precautions against West Nile virus

  • Limit time outside between dusk and dawn

  • Wear light color clothing

  • Wear long-sleeves and pants

  • Use insect repellant with DEET, Picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus

    • Do not use DEET on infants less than 2 months or oil of lemon eucalyptus on children less than 3 years

  • Rid property of standing water

  • Empty trashcans, clogged gutters and buckets

  • Keep grass cut and landscaping trimmed

This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: West Nile has been found in Evansville. Here are tips on staying safe