Marion County Reports First West Nile Death for 2012: Residents are advised to continue to protect themselves
Created on Monday, 27 August 2012 12:23
Contact: Collette Duvalle, 317-373-2391
The Marion County Public Health Department reports the first West Nile Death in Marion County for 2012. Symptoms of the disease include fever, headache, body aches, swollen lymph nodes and a rash. Some people will develop a more severe form of the disease, which can lead to encephalitis, meningitis and or flaccid muscle paralysis.
The Department has confirmed through laboratory testing that the West Nile Virus has been identified in mosquitoes in all nine Marion County townships. Surveillance sites located throughout the county are used to trap mosquitoes that are then tested by the health department’s laboratory staff.
The Marion County Public Health Department mosquito control division continues to remind residents that there are a lot of mosquitos out there that have tested positive for West Nile Virus. “We continue to urge residents to protect themselves while they are outside. The best method is to remember the four D’s. They are Dusk, Dress, Deet, and Drain, said Dr. Virginia A. Caine, director of the Marion County Public Health Department.
- Dusk is the best time of day to stay inside because that is when mosquitoes are active. This is when infected mosquitoes are most active
- Dress in long sleeves and long pants when you’re outdoors. For extra protection, you may want to spray your clothing with repellent.
- Deet is an important ingredient to look for in your insect repellent.
- Drain standing water in your back yard and neighborhood.
If you follow these steps you will minimize your exposure to mosquitoes and avoid getting bitten. Since 2002, Marion County has experienced five West Nile virus deaths and more than 50 people have become ill with the virus. In 2011, there was just one human case and no death.
For more information about mosquito control services, contact the Marion County Public Health Department at 221-7440.
