The Dubois County Health Department says the West Nile Virus has been Found in Dubois County
Therefore the department is reminding residents to stay vigilant in protecting themselves from the virus and other mosquito-borne diseases.
They say two samples of mosquitoes have recently tested positive for West Nile Virus in the county.
The Health Department encourages everyone in the county to protect themselves from being bitten by mosquitoes by following these simple steps:
Apply insect repellent containing DEET to clothes and exposed skin; wear light colored clothing; Avoid wet, highly vegetative areas where mosquitoes live; and avoid being outdoors during prime mosquito biting times, dusk to dawn, when possible.
Some simple steps to prevent mosquitoes from breeding:
• Eliminate areas of standing water on your property
• Repair failing septic systems.
• Remove any containers that will hold water.
• Clean your clogged gutters.
• Keep grass cut short and shrubbery trimmed. Tall vegetation is an excellent harborage
area for mosquitoes.
• Keep swimming pools chlorinated and clean.
• The basic rule is; if water lasts more than 4 days mosquitoes can reproduce. Even a small bucket can produce up to a 1,000 mosquitoes in just a few days.
Some symptoms of West Nile Virus include:
• High Fever
• Severe Headache
• Stiff Neck
• Muscle weakness or paralysis
• Nausea, vomiting
• and Confusion
West Nile Virus can also infect our domestic animals like horses where the Virus is very serious and often fatal.
They health department says it is very important to contact your Veterinarian to get your horse immunized if you have not already.
