Crown Point, IN – Several mosquito traps in Lake County have tested positive for the West Nile virus, prompting Indiana health officials to issue a community-wide advisory.
According to the Lake County Health Department, confirmation came Wednesday from the Indiana Department of Health following routine mosquito surveillance. Officials say this finding is a precautionary alert meant to raise public awareness of the virus’s presence in the area.
“The detection of West Nile virus in our area underscores the importance of taking simple, yet effective, precautions,” a spokesperson for the county health department said in a statement. “We encourage everyone to follow our recommended guidelines to reduce mosquito exposure and help control the mosquito population.”
Health officials urge residents to eliminate standing water in outdoor containers like buckets, pet bowls, and clogged gutters to prevent mosquito breeding. Additional recommendations include using EPA-approved insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or lemon eucalyptus, and wearing long-sleeved clothing when outdoors—especially during peak mosquito activity at dawn and dusk.
West Nile virus (WNV) is primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes. While 80% of infected individuals experience no symptoms, others may develop mild flu-like conditions, and in less than 1% of cases, more severe neurological issues such as encephalitis or meningitis may occur. Recovery from these symptoms can take weeks or months, and long-term neurological effects are possible.
The Lake County Health Department has committed to ongoing surveillance and public updates as needed. Residents seeking more information on the virus or mosquito prevention strategies can visit the department’s website or consult the Indiana Department of Health.
More information is available at: https://lakecountyin.gov/departments/health/Vector-Control/Mosquitoes/west-nile-virus
Be sure to follow us on Instagram & like us on Facebook to stay up-to-date on more relevant new stories and SUPPORT LOCAL INDEPENDENT NEWS! Have something you’d like to let us know about? Message us on our social channels and let us know about it!
