INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (WOWO): State health officials announced today that the first human case of West Nile virus in Indiana has been reported in Ripley County. Hoosiers are encouraged to take steps to protect themselves from West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne diseases.

“It is the time of year when Hoosiers are at risk of getting West Nile virus and should take precautions against getting bitten by mosquitoes,” said Jennifer House, Director of Zoonotic & Veterinary Epidemiology at the Indiana State Department of Health. “Last year there were 77 cases in Indiana.”

State health officials recommend the following preventative measures:

·Avoid places where mosquitoes are biting;

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

·Install or repair screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out of the home; and,

·When possible, wear pants and long sleeves, especially if walking in wooded or marshy areas.

In addition to the human case, mosquito groups in nine counties have now tested positive for the virus. Those counties include: Adams, Allen, Clinton, Grant, Hamilton, Jefferson, Starke, Vanderburgh and Vigo. The Indiana State Department of Health has collected and tested nearly 64,000 mosquitoes from 85 counties for West Nile virus and Saint Louis encephalitis. There have been no positive findings for Saint Louis encephalitis at this time.