Health Department Confirms First Human Case of West Nile Virus

For immediate release August 30, 2006
Contact: John T. Althardt, (317) 221-2316

The Marion County Health Department has received its first confirmed human case of West Nile virus for 2006. The confirmation came from the Indiana State Department of Health.

Marion County confirmed 2 human cases of West Nile virus in 2005.

Local health officials say the first human case of 2006 is a reminder that those going outside in the late afternoon and early evening should protect themselves from mosquito bites and potential exposure to the West Nile virus. Wearing long sleeved shirts, long pants and using a repellent with the ingredient D.E.E.T. are ways individuals can protect themselves.

The Marion County Health Department also encourages local residents to take a five-minute walk around where they live to look for potential mosquito breeding sites. These sites can include something as small as a Styrofoam coffee cup, to birdbaths, swimming pools, old tires and any other object that can hold water. These objects should be cleaned, covered or put away to reduce the potential for mosquitoes to breed.

Anyone with questions about mosquitoes is encouraged to contact the Marion County Health Department at (317) 221-7440.