State sees 10 West Nile cases

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - According to health officials, an outbreak of West Nile virus in 10 humans have been located in Allen, Fulton, Hamilton, Hancock, Jackson, Monroe, Marion, Tippecanoe and Vanderburgh counties. This year, 67 counties have been affected by the virus — almost doubling the number since last year.

"Here in Indiana we are seeing more counties earlier in the year with positive mosquito pools, meaning a greater risk to Hoosiers. One of the most effective ways Hoosiers can protect themselves is to eliminate areas where mosquitoes breed. Dump wading pools, bird baths, buckets and be sure to clean your gutters and discard any debris in your yard," State Health Commissioner Dr. Gregory Larkin said in a news release.

State health officials recommend taking the following precautions to avoid being bitten:

• Use insect repellent containing DEET, picaradin or oil of lemon eucalyptus
• Avoid areas where mosquitoes are present
• Use screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out of the home
• Where long pants and shirts in heavily wooded or marshy regions

West Nile symptoms in humans include: fever, headache, body aches, and swollen lymph glands or rash. More severe symptoms of the virus are encephalitis, meningitis, or flaccid muscle paralysis.

Anyone suspecting they may have the virus is encouraged to see their health care provider as soon as possible.