Published: September 17, 2008 10:02 pm         

Second human case of West Nile found in Indiana

TERRE HAUTE — State health officials report one probable human case of West Nile virus in Tippecanoe County. This is the second human case of West Nile virus infection in Indiana this year. The other human case was in Perry County.

“During the past few months, we have had positive results of West Nile in four birds and 109 pools of mosquitoes across 25 counties in Indiana,” said veterinarian James Howell, state epidemiologist at the Indiana State Department of Health. “This shows a significant increase in West Nile activity. Hoosiers need to be active in protecting themselves.”

Howell recommends people continue to take the following protective steps when they are outdoors:

• Avoid being outdoors during prime mosquito biting times, dusk to dawn, when possible;

• Apply insect repellent containing DEET, picaradin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus to clothes and exposed skin; and

• Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants.

Health officials say that although individuals over age 50 are at greatest risk for serious illness and even death from West Nile virus, people of all ages have been infected with the virus and have had severe disease.

West Nile virus is transmitted to humans by mosquitoes that have first bitten an infected bird. A person bitten by an infected mosquito may show symptoms three to 15 days after the bite.

“In previous years, we’ve seen most of the human cases in the state reported in the months of August and September, so now is an important time for people to protect themselves and their families,” said Howell. “Most people have a very mild disease when infected, but more severe cases are possible.”

The virus usually causes West Nile fever, a milder form of the illness, which can include fever, headache, body aches, swollen lymph glands or a rash. However, a small number of individuals can develop a more severe form of the disease with encephalitis or meningitis and other neurological syndromes, including flaccid muscle paralysis.

As a result, Howell also asks Hoosiers to take steps to rid their properties of potential mosquito breeding grounds by:

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

• Cleaning clogged roof gutters, particularly if leaves tend to plug up the drains;

• Aerating ornamental pools, or stocking them with predatory fish; and

• Emptying containers holding water from recent rainstorms.

For more information, visit the Indiana State Department of Health Web site at www.statehealth.IN.gov.