Lake County, IN – The first confirmed West Nile virus infection in Indiana this year has been reported in the county.
According to the Indiana Department of Health, no further information about the infected individual was released Thursday evening. West Nile virus has been detected in mosquitoes across 15 different counties in Indiana.
Most West Nile infections result in mild symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or a rash. However, severe cases can occur, especially in individuals aged 60 and older or those with preexisting health conditions like cancer. Severe symptoms can include neurological damage, muscle paralysis, or even death.
Residents are advised to maintain cleanliness around their homes to prevent mosquito breeding. Areas that collect standing water, such as tires, buckets, toys, pools, birdbaths, flowerpot saucers, and trash containers, should be regularly emptied and cleaned.
Mosquitoes in Marion County tested positive for the West Nile virus last week.
