West Nile virus cases on the rise

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - Mosquito season is at its peak.

Federal health officials are warning that cases of the West Nile virus are on the rise with deaths being reported in some places.

That's why it's important to know how to protect yourself, as well as the signs of being sick.

Infectious Disease Medicine Specialist Dr. Anwer Jaffri said if you get infected, you'll experience flu-like symptoms, including a headache, fever, and enlarged lymph nodes.

There is no cure for West Nile Disease.

However, many cases will go away on their own, but for the more severe, it can be fatal.

"Majority of the treatment is symptomatic and simplative care at the present time, usually people will develop encephalitis, would require intensive care units," Dr. Jaffri said.

The Vigo County Health Department said it's about being proactive, including getting rid of stagnant water, where mosquitoes breed.

"The main thing is to check your property every week, making sure if you've got your children's toys outside, if you have any bird baths, flower pots, anything that you can hold water needs to be emptied and dumped out," Vigo County Health Department Health Educator Sydney Elliott said.
Also, wear insect repellent and long sleeve clothes.

The Vigo County Health Department started spraying for mosquitoes Monday night and will continue every evening, Monday through Friday, until the first frost.

They said they won't spray if they see people out.

The Health Department's mosquito spraying schedule will be available next week.

Nearly 700 human cases have been reported nationwide, the hardest hit being Texas, which reports more than 300 cases.

In Indiana, there have been nine human cases and one death, and in Illinois, 26 human cases and one death.

One of those cases is in Crawford County.