West Nile Virus Found in 35 Indiana Counties

 
 
The West Nile virus has now been found in 35 counties in the state including Starke, Marshall, Kosciusko, Newton, and St. Joseph counties.

The Indiana State Department of Health collected and tested nearly 120,000 mosquitoes from all 92 counties for West Nile virus and Saint Louis encephalitis. No mosquitoes tested positive for the Saint Louis encephalitis.

Protect yourself from mosquitoes by applying insect repellent containing DEET, picaradin or oil of lemon eucalyptus to clothes and exposed skin; install or repair screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out of the home; and wear pants and long-sleeved shirts while outdoors, especially if walking in wooded or marshy areas.

Officials also ask that you rid your property of any item that may hold water as it could be the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes.