Is West Nile Virus Present in Sullivan County?

West Nile Virus Detected in Sullivan County

The Sullivan County Health Department has been alerted by the Indiana Department of Health about mosquito samples testing positive for West Nile Virus in the area. Residents are advised to take preventive measures against mosquito bites until the first hard frost of the year. While this is a common occurrence, it serves as a crucial reminder to remain vigilant.

How Can You Protect Yourself?

Here are some effective tips to avoid mosquito-borne diseases and reduce mosquito populations:

• Know when to expect mosquito bites: Mosquitoes in Indiana typically bite from dusk to dawn.
• Use EPA-registered insect repellents: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) suggests repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, or 2-undecanone. Not all repellents work against both mosquitoes and ticks. Find the right product for you here. Always follow product instructions carefully.
• Treat your clothes and gear with permethrin: Use 0.5% permethrin to treat boots, clothing, and camping gear, which remains effective through several washes. Do not apply permethrin directly to the skin.
• Reduce exposed skin: Wear long sleeves, long pants, hats, socks, and shoes that cover the entire foot to make it harder for mosquitoes to bite.

Preventing Mosquito Breeding

Even small containers like bottle caps can become breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Take these steps to eliminate potential breeding sites:

• Use air conditioning: If possible, use air conditioning instead of leaving doors and windows open.
• Install screens: Ensure windows and doors have screens to keep mosquitoes out. Repair any holes in screens.
• Remove standing water: Mosquitoes lay eggs in standing water. Regularly empty, scrub, turn over, cover, or dispose of items that collect water, such as tires, buckets, planters, toys, pools, birdbaths, flowerpots, and trash containers.
• Cover water storage: Tightly cover water storage containers like buckets, cisterns, and rain barrels to prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs. Use wire mesh with holes smaller than an adult mosquito for containers without lids.

By following these guidelines, you can protect yourself and your community from the West Nile Virus. Stay informed and take action to ensure a safe environment for everyone.

For more information, visit the original article.