The Floyd County Health Department has been notified by the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) that they have identified one sample of mosquitoes infected with the West Nile Virus (WNV) in Floyd County.
The positive mosquito samples were collected the week of July 17, 2024 by a representative of the Floyd County Health Department during routine county-wide mosquito sampling.
No human cases of West Nile have been identified, according to the Floyd County Health Department.
Although Floyd County has had positive mosquito samples for several years, this is the first positive sample for 2024.
Most people who become infected with WNV can experience mild illness such as fever, headache, and body aches before recovering fully.
However, in some individuals, especially the elderly and immune compromised, WNV can cause serious illness and even death.
Residents of Floyd County should continue to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites by using DEET and other repellants, wearing protective clothing such as long sleeves and pants, and if possible avoid being outside during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
Homeowners should also be aware of their property and correct common sources of mosquito breeding sites including clogged gutters, old tires, failing septic systems, abandoned/ nonfunctional swimming pools, and other water containing items, Homeowners should also be diligent about maintaining overgrown grass, shrubs, and trees that can harbor mosquitoes during the day.
For more information on Floyd County’s West Nile Virus surveillance program or to have a mosquito trap placed at your property, please call 812-948-4726, option 2, and then option 1 to speak to an Environmentalist or visit our website at wwwffioydcounty.in.gov.
