Mosquitos in Marion County are the latest of those in 16 Indiana counties to test positive for the West Nile virus. The mosquitos were discovered in a surveillance trap laid out by the county’s health department. There have been no reports of human infection by West Nile.

The West Nile virus infects mosquitos when they bite an infected bird, and mosquitos transfer the virus to humans by biting them. Up to 80 percent of infected individuals do not experience symptoms. Most other individuals experience flu-like symptoms including a high fever, headache, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, and rash.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), fewer than 1 percent of infected individuals may develop serious neurological conditions such as encephalitis or meningitis. Symptoms of such illness include high fever, neck stiffness, disorientation, coma, tremors, seizures, or paralysis, with some neurologic effects being permanent. Recovery from the virus can take up to months, and 10 percent of cases with neurologic infection result in death. 

There are no specific vaccines or antiviral treatments for the virus. Fever and other symptoms can be relived by over-the-counter painkillers. Treatments for more severe cases include hospitalization to provide administration of intravenous fluids, pain medication and nursing care.

While the virus can cause serious damage to infected individuals, epidemiologists at the Indiana State Department of Health say West Nile has become a part of life during Indiana summers. According to the statistics, mosquitos in 91 out of 92 Indiana counties carried the virus in 2012, and 87 out of 92 in 2013.

State officials laid out guidelines for residents to follow as precautionary measures to protect themselves from risk of infection. The state health department recommends avoiding the outdoors around dawn and dusk when mosquitos are most active, and wearing repellant with DEET during the day.

The state further urged the importance of the immediate elimination of standing water, where eggs are laid by mosquitos. Puddles, birdbaths, water dishes for pets, and clogged gutters should be regularly monitored and drained.