Full Notification

THIS PRESS RELEASE IS BEING SENT ON BEHALF OF THE:

 Madison County Health Department

August 28, 2015

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Human Case of West Nile Virus Confirmed in Madison County

Residents are Reminded of Mosquito Repellent Practices

A human case of West Nile Virus has been confirmed in Madison County. At this time, vector control agents of the Madison County Health Department have responded to this situation by surveying the area around the patient’s home and community, searching for and destroying any potential breeding grounds of the disease carrying mosquito. The mosquitoes of concern breed in places like stagnant ditches, discarded tires, unused wading pools, and other assorted containers, particularly those in the shade.

To date, there have been no confirmed West Nile positive mosquitos detected through the department’s testing program during the entire summer season. However, for precautionary measures, Madison County Health Department will begin spraying in targeted areas to further reduce the potential for active disease carrying mosquitos. While the actual source of this human case may remain a mystery, Dr. Stephen Wright, Health Officer of Madison County Health Department, urges the public, “It is extremely important that local residents continue to take precautions from mosquito bites.”

Personal protection from mosquito bites should include:

• Use insect repellant containing DEET.

• When possible, avoid places and times when mosquitoes bite (dusk and dawn).

• Wear shoes, socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt when outdoors for long periods of time or when mosquitoes are most active. Clothing should be light colored and made of tightly woven materials to keep mosquitoes away from the skin.

• Make sure all windows and doors have screens, and that all screens are in good repair.

• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in an unscreened structure.

You can also protect your family and community by:

• Eliminating areas of standing water available for mosquito breeding in or near your property.

• Keeping grass cut short and shrubbery trimmed.

• Disposing of old tires, tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or other unused containers that can hold water.

• Turning over plastic wading pools when not in use.

• Tuning over wheelbarrows and not allowing water to stagnate in birdbaths.

• Conducting a regular inspection of your property for any standing water.

Mosquitoes may develop in any puddle that lasts for more than four days.

How serious is West Nile Virus?

Most people who get infected with West Nile virus will have either no symptoms or mild symptoms. A few individuals will have a more severe form of the disease, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the tissues that cover the brain and spinal cord). There is no special treatment for West Nile Virus, and no vaccine is available for humans.

For more information, please contact the Madison County Health Department at 765-641-9524.