West Nile virus found in another pool of mosquitoes in St. Joseph County
Health department issues advisory, urges residents to take precautions
ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Ind. (WNDU) - The St. Joseph County Department of Health has issued a public health advisory after more West Nile virus-positive mosquitoes were found in the county.
The virus was detected in a pool of mosquitoes in Penn Township, following an earlier detection in a pool of mosquitoes in Portage Township earlier this month.
Health officials say there are precautions residents can take to reduce their risk of exposure.
How to protect yourself
The St. Joseph County Department of Health recommends the following steps to protect against mosquitoes:
- Avoid being outdoors during prime mosquito biting times — dusk and dawn — when possible.
- Apply an EPA-registered insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or para-menthane diol to clothes and exposed skin.
- Wear a hat, long sleeves, and long pants in areas where mosquitoes are active, such as wooded areas.
- Treat clothing and outdoor gear with 0.5% permethrin when camping or spending extended periods outdoors.
- Make sure all windows and doors have screens and that all screens are in good condition.
Reducing mosquito breeding around your home
Health officials say homeowners can take the following actions to reduce mosquito breeding:
- Remove old tires, tin cans, or other containers that can hold water. A small bucket with stagnant water can become home to up to 1,000 mosquitoes.
- Tip bird baths, flowerpots, and other water-holding containers weekly and refill with clean water.
- Repair failed septic systems.
- Keep rain barrels covered with wire mesh smaller than adult mosquitoes.
- Clean roof gutters, which can produce millions of mosquitoes each season.
- Keep swimming pools clean and chlorinated.
- Drain and fill stagnant pools, puddles, ditches, or swampy areas around the home and property.
The St. Joseph County Department of Health said it treats for mosquitoes, including spraying when public health threats are detected. For more information, visit the St. Joseph County Department of Health’s website.
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