For the first time this year, West Nile Virus has been detected in Evansville. WNIN’s John Gibson has details:
The Vanderburgh County Health Department says a sample group of mosquitoes from a surveillance trap tested positive for the virus.
The department says more than 50 positive sample groups have been reported in 23 Indiana counties.
Most people infected with West Nile have no symptoms or only mild flu-like symptoms, but some people develop a more severe form of the disease affecting the nervous system, including inflammation in the brain and spinal cord, muscle paralysis, or even death.
People older than 60 and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of severe symptoms.
Tips to help avoid mosquito-borne diseases include staying indoors when mosquitoes are active -- late afternoon, dusk to dawn, and early morning -- apply an EPA-registered insect repellent, cover exposed skin, and make sure your property is free of standing water.
