West Nile virus detected in Fishers mosquito traps

LarryInFishers.com

The Fishers Health Department has identified its first positive West Nile virus test of the season in mosquitoes collected through local monitoring, prompting a reminder for residents to protect themselves from mosquito bites until the first frost.

The department urges residents to use insect repellent, wear long sleeves and pants, and remove standing water around their homes.

The announcement concerns mosquitoes collected in traps. The department’s statement did not report a human case or identify the location or collection date of the positive sample.

West Nile virus most commonly spreads to people through bites from infected mosquitoes, which acquire the virus by feeding on infected birds. Mosquito season extends into fall, according to the

About 80% of infected people develop no symptoms. About 20% develop an illness that can include fever, headache and body aches. Less than 1% develop severe illness, which can affect the brain and nervous system, according to

The Fishers Health Department highlighted adults age 50 and older as being at greater risk for serious illness. The CDC says the risk increases with age and is also higher among people with certain chronic medical conditions or weakened immune systems.

Residents can reduce their exposure by taking several steps recommended in the CDC’s mosquito prevention guidance:

  • Use an Environmental Protection Agency-registered insect repellent, such as one containing DEET or picaridin, and follow the label instructions.
  • Wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and long pants outdoors.
  • Once a week, empty and scrub, turn over, cover or discard containers that hold water, including buckets, flowerpot saucers, toys and birdbaths.
  • Repair holes in window and door screens to keep mosquitoes outside.

Extra precautions are useful from dusk to dawn, when the mosquitoes that spread West Nile virus are most active. The CDC advises seeking immediate medical attention for symptoms such as high fever, neck stiffness, confusion, muscle weakness or tremors.

There is no licensed human vaccine or specific medicine to treat West Nile virus. People with severe illness may need hospital care, making mosquito bite prevention the main way residents can protect themselves, according to the CDC.