More mosquitoes test positive for West Nile virus

The South Heartland District Health Department (SHDHD) reports more mosquitoes from the health district have tested positive for West Nile virus. The positive mosquitoes were among those trapped in several locations in the greater Hastings area of Adams County on Aug. 15, and were identified as belonging to the Culex species, which are common carriers of the West Nile virus.

According to Michele Bever, SHDHD health director, symptoms of West Nile illness are usually mild, including fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting and sometimes swollen lymph glands or a skin rash. Although there is no specific vaccine or treatment for West Nile virus infection in humans, most people fully recover from the infection. However, symptoms may be more severe, require hospitalization, cause permanent neurological damage, and may result in death.

Bever said West Nile Virus is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito and anyone can get infected with the virus. “You can reduce your risk of getting bitten by using an effective, EPA-approved, insect repellent and wearing loose long-sleeved shirts and long pants, especially when you are outdoors between dusk (around sunset) and dawn (around sunrise) when mosquitoes are most active,” she said.

“The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is a good resource for getting up-to-date information about insect repellents, including what’s in them, how to choose them, and how to use them,” Bever said. For more information, go to the EPA’s website: https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents.

Jeff Hassenstab, director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Hastings, encouraged residents to drain standing water about once every week to reduce locations for mosquitoes to breed. Items or surfaces that collect or hold water, such as bird baths, child swimming pools, pet bowls, tires or flower pots can become mosquito breeding sites if not drained periodically.

“Residents with water troughs, koi ponds, birdbaths, rain barrels, animal watering troughs or any place where water collects and remains for periods of time, could consider using a mosquito larvicide,” Bever said. “These biodegradable products slowly release a long-term biological mosquito larvicide at the water’s surface to block mosquito development.” The health department has a limited number of mosquito larvicide dunks available upon request and these products are also available for purchase at many farm and hardware stores.

“Remember to ‘Fight the Bite’ to prevent West Nile illness,” Bever said.

For more information, contact the South Heartland District Health Department: 1-877-238-7595.