Published: August 29, 2008 11:27 pm         

More West Nile detected in Vigo

The Indiana State Department of Health has confirmed that three more groups of mosquitoes have tested positive for West Nile virus in Vigo County. The Vigo County Health Department is advising citizens to take the following cautions when going outdoors:

• Avoid going outside from dusk to dawn — this is prime mosquito biting time

• If you do have to go outside during this time, wear a long-sleeved shirt and apply insect repellent containing DEET;

• Keep grass and shrubbery trimmed;

• Repair failed septic systems;

• Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers that are left outside; and

• Walk around your property and look for any containers that can hold water or have standing water — unused flower pots, wading pools, birdbaths, dog dishes, trash can lids or any type of container that can hold water and has been left for more than a day (this can be as small as a soda can).

By eliminating these breeding sites, you will be helping to reduce the transmission of West Nile virus. For more information, please call the Vigo County Health Department Vector Division at (812) 462-3289.