(7-28-23) Jay County (Indiana) Health Department has reported that mosquitoes in Jay County have tested positive for West Nile Virus.

The health department is encouraging area residents to take precautions, including wearing long sleeves and applying insect repellent, especially from dusk to dawn when mosquitoes are most active. Residents should also remove any stagnant water, which is a breeding ground for mosquitoes, as well as cleaning clogged gutters.

From the CDC –

West Nile virus (WNV) is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the continental United States. It is most commonly spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito. Cases of WNV occur during mosquito season, which starts in the summer and continues through fall. There are no vaccines to prevent or medications to treat WNV in people. Fortunately, most people infected with WNV do not feel sick. About 1 in 5 people who are infected develop a fever and other symptoms. About 1 out of 150 infected people develop a serious, sometimes fatal, illness. You can reduce your risk of WNV by using insect repellent and wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants to prevent mosquito bites.

Those who contract West Nile Virus usually have few or no symptoms, which include headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea and rash, is transmitted to humans when they are bitten by an infected mosquito.

Those who are over 60 years old or are with compromised immune systems are at higher risk for severe illness, which can include tremors, encephalitis, coma and paralysis.

For more information, call the Jay County Health Department at (260) 726- 8080. Brochures are also available at the health department, 504 W. Arch St., from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.