The Hamilton County Health Department’s Division of Environmental Health Vector Control program has reported that mosquito sampling in the area of 2nd and Washington streets in Noblesville has tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV).
The detection of WNV activity is evidence that the disease is present in Hamilton County, and the public should take proper precautions to stay protected.
Earlier this month, the Health Department reported mosquitos testing positive for West Nile were found in Carmel’s Meadowlark Park.
For optimum protection the Health Department recommends individuals:
- Wear long sleeves, pants, socks and shoes when outdoors.
- Apply EPA-approved insect repellent containing DEET, Picaridin, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus to any exposed skin.
- Keep mosquitoes outside by keeping doors and windows closed and making sure screens are in good repair.
- Avoid outdoor activities at dusk and dawn, when the mosquitoes that transmit WNV are most active.
In addition, all Hamilton County residents are asked to do the following in order to eliminate mosquito breeding sites around their home:
- Remove all unneeded containers that hold water (tires, cans, bottles, buckets, jars, drums and other trash / rubbish).
- Dump and invert wheel barrows and kiddie / toddler pools when not in use.
- Change water in birdbaths and pet bowls weekly.
- Inspect water in flower pots and plant containers weekly.
- Clean rain gutters.
- Drain and fill tire ruts, stagnant pools, and puddles.
- Place tight covers over cisterns, cesspools, septic tanks, tubs and rain barrels where water is stored.
- Keep the margins of ponds clear of vegetation and stock ornamental ponds with top – feeding minnows.
As a response to the finding of WNV, the Health Department will increase its surveillance and control activities in the sample positive areas. Adult mosquito fogging will be conducted to rapidly decrease the number of adult mosquitoes in the sample positive area.