West Nile Virus Reaches Infects First Human In Indiana

State health officials announced Tuesday that Indiana's first human case of West Nile virus has been confirmed in Jefferson County.

"This case serves as a reminder that the virus is circulating in the state and humans are still susceptible to infection," Jennifer House, DVM, director of Zoonotic Epidemology at the Indiana State Department of Health said.

Along with this confirmation comes 11 other counties that have tested positive for mosquitoes carrying the virus. These counties are Adams, Allen, Bartholomew, Boone, Carroll, Hamilton, Hendricks, Henry, Marion, Morgan and Vanderburgh.

The Indiana State Department of Health has tested around 100,000 mosquitoes for West Nile virus and Saint Louis encephalitis. No tests came back positive for encephalitis.

"The best thing people can do to prevent getting infected with West Nile virus is to take some simple steps to protect themselves from being bitten by a mosquito," Dr. House said.

These steps can make the difference:
- Avoid places where mosquitoes are known to bite
- Apply insect repellent containing DEET, picaradin or oil of lemon eucalyptus to skin or clothes
- Install or repair screens on doors and windows to keep mosquitoes from entering the home
- Wear pants and long sleeves outdoors, especially in woody or marshy areas

Symptoms of West Nile virus can include fever, headache, body aches, swollen lymph glands or a rash. Many steps can be taken around the home to rid potential mosquitoes from breeding nearby.

These steps are:
- Discarding old tires, cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or other containers potentially holding water
- Repairing old septic systems
- Drilling holes in containers specifically left outdoors
- Cutting grass and trimming shrubbery
- Cleaning roof gutters
- Replacing water in pet bowls
- Flushing fountains and birdbaths periodically
- Aerating ornamental pools

There currently is no vaccine or cure for West Nile virus for humans.

Officials have also confirmed cases in which animals have contracted the virus: a crow in Marion county and a horse in Noble County. Those with horses are urged to have them tested for both West Nile virus and Eastern equine encephalitis.

For more information, visit the Indiana State Department of Health's website at www.statehealth.IN.gov.


View Locations of Confirmed West Nile Carrying Mosquitoes in a larger map