Isaac leaves new West Nile concerns

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Indiana has 16 reported cases of West Nile Virus so far this year; two cases were fatal.

The weekend's rain likely flushed out old areas of standing water where mosquitoes would have already begun to breed; but the storms also left fresh standing water, a common mosquito breeding ground.

Experts say the best way to lower mosquito exposure is to walk your property and get rid of any standing water, like in bird baths, flower pots, old tires and buckets.

Once it rains, they say, new mosquitoes hatch and take to the air within two weeks.

“It is so important after a major rain to do a walk around and, anything you can take care of, pour out,” Michael Ellyson with Marion County Mosquito Control said.

Folks are also encouraged to wear long sleeves and pants when surveying any property.

Also, always spray insect repellant on any exposed skin.