A Bartholomew County resident has tested positive for West Nile Virus, the first time this year such a result has been reported in the county.
Bartholomew County Health Department officials ask residents to:
- Take precautions when outdoors between dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are active.
- Use insect repellent containing DEET per label instructions.
- Make sure your property is free of standing water, which could be a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
- Repair malfunctioning septic systems which might cause standing sewage water.
Symptoms of West Nile Virus are high fever, headache, stiff neck, muscle weakness, paralysis or confusion. The most severe form of the disease may cause encephalitis or meningitis. Severe effects have been present in people older than 50 or those with weakened immune systems.
