Hamilton County develops plan to attack and react to the Zika virus
NOBLESVILLE, Ind (WISH) – As concerns grow over the Zika virus, Indiana health officials are encouraging counties to develop strategies. A suggestion, Hamilton County has already implemented.
Hamilton County mosquito control employees are in full attack mood. With summer approaching, mosquitoes will transform from larva to the bug-biting creatures we avoid.
This year, employees are zeroing in on stand-still water, because it’s where Zika bugs thrive.
A growing problem that gives health issues to pregnant women.
“We’re preparing for Zika virus,” Hamilton County Health Department vector control specialist, Alex Davis said. “The risk is low, but we have to be prepared.”
Davis said even though there’s been no Zika cases in Central Indiana, it can change.
“We have lots of larva out, and when it starts warming up, right now, it’s getting hot, they’re going to start producing more,” Davis said.
In addition to killing certain mosquitoes, the county developed a Zika reaction plan.
Control crews would target the area, go door-to-door, increase spraying and fog machines.
Davis said they need help too from neighbors to help fight the Zika virus. If you’ve got stand-still water in your yard, including a bird bath or tire, make sure you dump it, so mosquitoes can’t breed. Also think of the three d’s, “drain, dress, and defend.”
“Hopefully that it doesn’t get spread here but they’re thinking about doing something about it and being aware of it,” Noblesville resident, Kathleen Lepper said.
“It’s probably something at least that would be beneficial to have a plan or at least a process for a plan when or if certain function points might happen,” Noblesville resident, John Lauck said.
The main concern local officials say, is people taking summer trips. If they return and experience a fever, rash or muscle pain after a trip, see a doctor.
Symptoms experts hope mosquitoes in the area aren’t able to spread. “We have to be prepared,” Davis said. “Prevention is our key.”
To learn more about Zika, and what the county is doing to prevent it, click here.