Doctors address West Nile Virus concerns - 13 WTHR Indianapolis

The Centers for Disease Control is expecting an increase in the number of West Nile Virus cases over the next couple of weeks. In Indiana, two people have died from the mosquito-carried disease.

As the rain from Hurricane Isaac moves in this weekend, it could impact our mosquito population.

The remnants of Isaac are expected to bring several inches of rain to central Indiana and water is the best breeding ground for mosquitoes. The heavy rains could wash away mosquito larvae and refill current low-level waterways, where mosquitoes are laying their eggs. In short term, Hurricane Isaac may help drop our mosquito population.

Terry Gallagher from the Marion County Health Department's Mosquito Control explained to Eyewitness News why it will only be temporary.

"It would flush out things in the short term. It would eliminate the existing population, but then you have a new breeding ground with standing water puddles and a new population would breed a week or so later," Gallagher said.

Of course, protecting yourself and your children is key. Bug spray is absolutely necessary if you plan to be out after dusk. But how much is too much bug spray for children?

Pediatric Infectious Disease Dr. Chris Belcher says you have to read the labels.

"The typical child-strength insect repellant 6-75 of DEET lasts about 90 minutes. Some of the other stuff around 30 percent DEET will give you 8-12 hours, so you don't want to reapply that. It will last you an evening or a day at the park," Belcher said.

What about pets? Can they get West Nile Virus? The CDC says yes, but you may not ever notice.

Dogs don't show any symptoms, while some cats exhibit mild, non-specific symptoms during the first week after they're bitten by mosquitoes. Like humans, there is no vaccine for cats or dogs. Talk to your vet if you are concerned and do not use insect repellant on your animals.

West Nile Virus resources