West Nile found in Miami Co.

PERU, Ind. (Kokomo Tribune) - A pool of mosquitoes tested positive for West Nile virus in southern Miami County, 24-Hour News 8’s news partner the Kokomo Tribune reports.

Late last month Tipton County reported infected mosquitoes and since early June a reported 21 counties have discovered mosquitoes contaminated with West Nile.

This news came as a surprise to county and state officials who said the dry conditions have reduced the mosquito population dramatically.

“I haven’t seen a mosquito all year long,” said Ken Severson, media relations coordinator for the Indiana State Department of Health. “Still, mosquitoes are resilient. They can come at anytime. Everyone thinks there’s a drought, but there’s still bird baths and backyard ponds where they can breed.”

Since 2002, there has been at least one death caused by West Nile every year in Indiana, except in 2008. In 2011, nine cases of human infection were reported, with one fatality. Nationally, 43 people died from the virus in 2011, the Kokomo Tribune reports.

So far this year no human cases of West Nile have been reported, Severson said.

Severson also said people should take precautions to avoid mosquito bites, including applying insect repellent with DEET and wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants.