Mosquitoes Carrying West Nile Virus Found in Marion County
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 31, 2013
INDIANAPOLIS – The Marion County Public Health Department has documented the first mosquitoes of the season carrying West Nile virus. The sample of mosquitoes came from a surveillance trap located in Perry Township. Traps are located throughout the county to monitor the local mosquito population and test for West Nile virus.
Marion County Mosquito Control said the presence of West Nile virus in mosquitoes is typically first detected in the month of July, but occurred slightly later than normal this year. No human cases of West Nile virus have been reported in Marion County so far in 2013.
Health officials remind everyone to observe the four Ds of mosquito control to stay protected:
DUSK – Stay indoors from dusk until dawn.
DRESS – Wear long sleeves and long pants when outside during these times.
DEET – Use insect repellent containing DEET.
DRAINAGE – Remove all standing water outside the home.
Residents should dump standing water in containers of any size. Even small amounts of standing water are a potential mosquito breeding ground. Check for unused tires, clogged gutters, small recreational pools and poorly operating septic systems.
Two people in Marion County died from West Nile virus in 2012. Since 2002, Marion County has reported seven deaths from West Nile virus and more than 60 human cases.
For mosquito-related information, please contact the Marion County Public Health Department at 221-7440.
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Media Contact:
Curt BrantinghamMedia/Public Information Coordinator
317-221-2316 (o) │ 317-525-7450 (c)
