08/03/2025
Harrison County health officials report that a mosquito group has tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV). There has been no reported human exposure. This group was found in the Harrison County fairground area.
Danny Schroeder, Environmental Health director with the Harrison County Health Department (HCHD), stresses the importance of taking appropriate precautions to avoid mosquito bites. There is no human vaccine and no cure for WNV infection, but it can be prevented.
The HCHD recommends that you do the following when mosquitoes are biting:
- Avoid being outdoors during prime mosquito biting times when possible (dusk to dawn),
- When outdoors, apply insect repellent containing DEET to clothes and exposed skin,
- Wear long sleeved shirts and pants.
WNV is transmitted to a human by a mosquito that has first bitten an infected bird. A person bitten by an infected mosquito may shows symptoms 3-15 days after the bite.
Individuals over 50 are at the greatest risk for serious illness, including disabling neurological problems. People of all ages are at risk for infection and severe illness, and should take precautions to avoid being bitten.
The virus usually causes a milder form of illness, West Nile fever, which includes fever, headache, body aches, swollen lymph glands, and sometimes a rash.
The Culex mosquito, the primary carrier of WNV, breeds well when the weather is hot and dry. They breed in stagnant water, like that found in clogged rain gutters, ditches, catch basins, and unattended pools, bird baths, discarded tires, or even flower pots. Hundreds of mosquitoes can come from a small amount of water.
We are urging residents to remove standing water from their property to avoid having mosquitoes breed around their homes.
If you have questions or concerns about mosquitoes, call the HCHD at 812-738-3237, option 3.
