West Nile Virus outbreak worst ever in US - 13 WTHR Indianapolis

2012 is being called the worst year ever for the West Nile Virus in the United States, and the disease is spreading right here in Indiana.

Health officials have confirmed another human case, bringing the statewide total to ten. There are two cases in Marion County, and one each in Hamilton, Monroe, Jackson, Fulton, Hancock Tippecanoe and Allen Counties. So far, one person has died from the virus in Vanderburgh County.

So far this year, mosquitoes carrying the virus have been found in 67 Indiana counties, compared with 34 counties last year.

Across the country, 41 people have died out of 11 hundred who've contracted the disease.

West Nile virus usually causes West Nile fever which can also include headache, body aches, swollen lymph glands or a rash. Some people will develop a more severe form of the disease with encephalitis or meningitis and other severe syndromes.

West Nile patient Domingo Villa described the symptoms, "I was feeling real drowsy, real weak and everything. Started having problems breathing and went to lay down to see if things would get better."

If you start experiencing symptoms, see your health care provider right away. There's no vaccine and no cure for West Nile virus.

Hoosiers are encouraged to stay away from places where mosquitoes breed. That could include standing water in wading pools, bird baths, buckets, pots in your yard.

You are also advised to keep your grass cut short, aerate ornamental pools, or stock them with predatory fish.

And the number one protector if you are spending time outside is of course, bug repellent with DEET.