West Nile infected mosquitoes found in Shelbyville, no human cases reported

Thursday, September 12, 2024 at 7:40 AM

By Johnny McCrory

This is the time of year they expect to see transmission increase and with it, the likelihood of human disease.

The Shelby County Health Department and the State Board of Health have confirmed three positive West Nile Virus mosquitoes in the city of Shelbyville.

Manager - Director for the Shelby County Health Department Robert Lewis says this is the time of year they expect to see transmission increase and with it, the likelihood of human disease. Recommendations for the appropriate use of repellents and elimination of breeding sites such as containers near homes do work to reduce human cases. People are asked to check house storm gutters, containers, and anything else containing water if there are large populations of mosquitoes around.

The Indiana Department of Health is continuing to see a high level of West Nile virus transmission in mosquitoes. Even though there is only five or six weeks of mosquito season to go, the risk for human disease is still very much present. While three mosquito cases have now been documented in Shelbyville there are several more under investigation making it more important than ever to continue messaging about mosquito bite avoidance and breeding site elimination.

Thus far, no confirmed cases of human diseases, and no horse cases have been reported in Shelby County.

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