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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For immediate release July 18, 2006

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

Mosquitoes with West Nile Virus Continues to Increase

Mosquito season is gaining momentum in Marion County as the number of complaint calls coming to mosquito control has doubled since last week. Health officials have now documented 5 sites testing positive for mosquitoes with the West Nile virus. Early last week the average number of complaint calls was 40 per day. That number has increased to an average of more than 80 per day. Most of the calls relate to areas of standing water and concerns the sites will create a mosquito problem.

No human cases of West Nile virus have been confirmed in Marion County.

Sites testing positive include:

10502 E. 75th St. in Lawrence Township

6850 Dean Rd. in Washington Township

3201 Richardt Ave. in Warren Township*

11000 W. Washington St. in Center Township*

30th St. and Mitthoefer Rd. in Warren Township

* denotes multiple positive tests from site.

Marion County residents are encouraged to take a five-minute walk around their home to check for any containers capable of holding water. Even small containers can hold enough water for mosquitoes to lay their eggs. Anyone with questions concerning mosquitoes can contact the Marion County Health Department at 221-7440.