Indiana reports first West Nile virus death of 2012 - 13 WTHR Indianapolis

For the first time this year, the West Nile Virus has claimed a life in Indiana. There is also evidence the virus is spreading, with seven confirmed cases, including two in Marion County.

The sound of a mosquito spray truck is more welcome than ever. Mosquito control departments in at least 62 counties are finding a higher concentration of the West Nile Virus than ever before.

The problem with the virus is some people will not show any symptoms, while others, according to Dr. Greg Larkin with the Indiana Department of Health, will have "fever, perhaps a bad headache. They may have a lymph gland that is swollen."

The Indiana Department of Health has put doctors statewide on alert. Doctors have been given a list of symptoms common with the virus and they are required to report each and every case to the state for tracking purposes. Overnight, the list of cases tripled.

"The most severe aspects of this disease causes encephalitis, which can cause convulsions and death," said Dr. Larkin.

And those most at risk are 50 and older.

Dale Yessak, an avid outdoorsman in the most vulnerable group for the West Nile Virus, says he is more than prepared for the nightly attack of bugs

"I use a fogger in my backyard, sometimes a citronella burner or torches," he said.

One common misconceptions with the virus is that children are most vulnerable. Health officials say parents should use a product that contains at least five percent of the active ingredient DEET, which will guard against mosquitoes, but must be re-applied every hour on all exposed skin.

Most county health departments are spraying for larvae or fogging at night. But with the West Nile Virus, you may need more.

Sullivan's Hardware on the north side of Indianapolis is just starting to have people coming in asking for mosquito repellents, anti-mosquito soaps, and citronella torches. So far the most popular items have been for killing larvae in standing water.

West Nile Virus is not the only disease transmitted by mosquitoes affecting Indiana this summer. La Crosse Encephalitis has struck one person in Ripley County and one person in Franklin County.

Earlier version

The state health department confirms the first death this year in Indiana from the West Nile virus.

The person who died was from Vanderburgh County, near Evansville. But there are also confirmed cases of West Nile in Marion, Monroe and Hamilton Counties, in central Indiana, as well as Jackson and Fulton Counties.

Adults over 50 are more likely to get very sick from the virus than younger people, but experts say it's still essential to protect yourself and your kids.

They play outside every day, but many families say they don't take precautions against West Nile, a virus that's on the rise and turning deadly.

"I think as a parent, you think that's probably not going to happen to my kid," said parent Alissa Adams.

"If you would have said where does the West Nile Virus come from - I probably couldn't even tell you mosquitoes," added parent Sarah Spangler.

Mosquitoes are the carriers that bite an infected animal, then bite you and transmit a virus that can affect the nervous system.

City crews are spraying neighborhoods for outdoor protection and doctors are encouraging families to take steps to protect each other as well.

"The mosquitoes have been really bad this year. So the kids come in just covered in mosquito bites and the parents are more worried about the bites and how they look than necessarily the West Nile virus or something like that," said pediatrician Dr. Megan Ciaccio.

To reduce your risk, doctors say try not to go outside at dusk or near dawn, when mosquitoes are out most.

"That's what we do," explained grandparent Janice Brewster. "The dusk comes in, the bugs come out, the kids come in."

Also, don't just worry about the woods.

Look around your home. Make sure screens are tight, not torn.

Remove potential breeding grounds like standing water in tires, barrels and gutters.

But it doesn't take much to be dangerous. In fact, you may be surprised to learn only a thimbleful of standing water can be enough to breed mosquitoes.

"That's something to think about," Brewster said.

Something else to think about, don't just use any bug spray, but a repellent with DEET on the label.

Percentage matters too.

Doctors say 25% DEET doesn't really increase your protection and actually isn't safe for kids 12 and under.

If you use 5% DEET, you have to put it on every hour, especially while playing outside.

"Those are the prime times you need to make sure you reapply and keeping on top of it," Dr. Ciaccio said.

Doctors say it's simple protection that's needed, especially as the danger grows.

More from the Indiana Dept. of Health:

There's no vaccine or cure for the disease. The health department says it usually causes West Nile fever, a milder form of the illness that can include fever, headache, body aches, swollen lymph glands and rash.

An Elkhart County woman died from complications of the virus last year, and the health department recorded at least one death in each of the three previous years. The first human cases in Indiana occurred in 2002 when 11 people died.

"Because this virus is carried and transmitted by mosquitoes, we are all susceptible to it," said State Health Commissioner Gregory Larkin, M.D. "The tragic death we've recently experienced serves as a reminder of just how important it is to take steps to protect ourselves from mosquitoes, both indoors and outdoors. When you open your windows, be sure they have screens so mosquitoes can't get in. When you go outside, you can protect yourself by covering up and wearing insect repellent, but you can also reduce the amount of mosquitoes around your home by eliminating areas they may use for breeding grounds."

Take the following steps to protect you and your family from mosquitoes:

• 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.

West Nile virus usually causes West Nile fever, a milder form of the illness, which can include fever, headache, body aches, swollen lymph glands or a rash. Some individuals will develop a more severe form of the disease with encephalitis or meningitis and other severe syndromes, including flaccid muscle paralysis.

To reduce potential mosquito breeding grounds:

• Discard old tires, tin cans, ceramic pots or other containers that can hold water;

• Repair failed septic systems;

• Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers left outdoors;

• Keep grass cut short and shrubbery trimmed;

• Clean clogged roof gutters, particularly if leaves tend to plug up the drains;

• Frequently replace the water in pet bowls;

• Flush ornamental fountains and birdbaths periodically; and,

• Aerate ornamental pools, or stock them with predatory fish.

CDC West Nile Virus