West Nile Virus Present In Franklin County Mosquitoes

Tuesday, October 23, 2018 at 6:56 AM

By Mike Perleberg @mikedup84

Mosquitoes may still be active until temperatures drop a little further.

(Franklin County, Ind.) - West Nile virus has been found in mosquitoes in southeastern Indiana.

The Indiana State Department of Health says infected mosquitoes have been located in Franklin County. It’s the first time this year the illness has been found in our part of the state.

Although the seasons are changing, mosquitoes remain present. The health department says citizens should take precautions to prevent mosquito bites, as the insects are still active as long as temperatures are above 60 degrees.

There have been no human infections in the southeastern Indiana region this year. Human cases of West Nile have been recorded in Hamilton County, Ohio and Boone County, Kentucky.

According to the Indiana State Department of Health, West Nile virus is transmitted to a human by a mosquito that has first bitten an infected bird. A person who is bitten by an infected mosquito may show symptoms from three to 15 days after the bite.

Most people who get infected with West Nile virus will have either no symptoms or mild symptoms, but those age 50 or older are at higher risk of serious illness.. Severe cases can include encephalitis or meningitis.