Mosquitoes carrying West Nile found in Marion County

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Mosquitoes carrying West Nile Virus have been found in Marion County, according to the Marion County Public Health Department.

A sample of mosquitoes from a surveillance trap in Warren Township tested positive for the virus.

The health department said traps are placed throughout the county to monitor mosquitoes.

No human cases of the virus have been reported this year in Marion County, according to the health department.

The health department provides the following four tips to avoid mosquito bites:

• DUSK – Stay indoors from dusk until dawn. If you do spend time outdoors….

• DRESS – Wear long sleeves and long pants when outside during these times.

• DEET – Use insect repellent containing DEET.

• DRAINAGE – Remove all standing water outside the home.

“Be sure to dump standing water in containers of any size and flush out bird baths every week,” said Matt Sinsko, coordinator of the Marion County Public Health Department’s Mosquito Control program. “Even small amounts of standing water are a potential mosquito breeding ground. Check for unused tires, clogged gutters, small recreational pools, and poorly operating septic systems.”