For more information about mosquito control, contact the Marion County Health Department at (317) 221-7440.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For immediate release September 6, 2005

Contact: John T. Althardt, (317) 221-2316

2006 Mosquito Season Underway Following Documentation of Marion County Mosquitoes with West Nile Virus

The Marion County Health Department has confirmed the first three positive sites for mosquitoes carrying the West Nile virus. Local health officials are not surprised by the findings since the sites have tested positive in previous years.

The three sites are located in Lawrence, Washington and Warren Townships.

“What we know is that mosquito season is here and now is the time for Marion County residents to take appropriate precautions,” said Chuck Dulla, administrator for the health agency’s mosquito control program.

Among precautions local residents can take:

  • Regularly clean, cover or store any object that is capable of holding water.
  • Make certain gutters are working properly.
  • Clean birdbaths, outdoor water bowls and garden ponds.
  • Clean wading and swimming pools.
  • Discard any unused tires.

    Health department technicians have documented mosquito larvae in discarded Styrofoam cups holding small amounts of water.

    Because unused tires create an ideal breeding location for mosquitoes, the health department will be collecting passenger tires Saturday, June 10 at Mosquito Control headquarters, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at its Mosquito Control headquarters, located at 4001 East 21st Street.

    The health department will accept up to four passenger tires per Marion County resident. The tires must be removed from the rims. This program is for individuals only and not intended for commercial dealers. All collected tires will be recycled. In 2005, more than 7,000 tires were collected and recycled.

    Individuals going outdoors in the late afternoon, early evening or early morning should wear long sleeve shirts, long pants and use mosquito repellent to lower the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes most likely to carry the West Nile virus.

    The Marion County Health Department has a variety of free services to assist local residents with mosquito problems. For more information, contact the Marion County Health Department at (317) 221-7440.

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