{"id":73306,"date":"2018-08-23T10:45:14","date_gmt":"2018-08-23T14:45:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.aroundfortwayne.com\/news\/?p=73306"},"modified":"2018-08-23T10:45:14","modified_gmt":"2018-08-23T14:45:14","slug":"mosquitoes-carrying-potentially-fatal-virus-rises","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aroundfortwayne.com\/news\/2018\/08\/23\/mosquitoes-carrying-potentially-fatal-virus-rises\/","title":{"rendered":"Mosquitoes carrying potentially fatal virus rises"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\nNews release from the Fort Wayne-Allen County Department of Health:<\/p>\n

Rise in number of mosquitoes carrying potentially fatal virus<\/strong>
\nWest Nile virus infecting local mosquito population, protect your family & wear repellent<\/em>
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\n(August 23, 2018) – With summer winding down, it’s important you don’t become complacent with health and safety.
\nWest Nile virus and other mosquito-borne diseases are commonly found throughout the state each summer and there is usually an increase in activity this time of year. So far this year mosquitoes from 43 counties have tested positive for West Nile virus. Of 182 samples of mosquitoes tested in Allen County, 43 were found positive for the virus, a significant increase compared to the same timeframe in 2017. In total last year, the Fort Wayne-Allen County Department of Health tested 243 samples and had 43 positive for West Nile virus. This season’s results can be found at: https:\/\/bit.ly\/2NbQtDz<\/a>.
\nWest Nile virus is transmitted to humans by mosquitoes that have first bitten an infected bird. Most people who become ill from these diseases will have mild symptoms such as headache, fever, dizziness and fatigue, but severe neurological symptoms, coma and even death can occur. People over age 50 and those with compromised immune systems are at greatest risk for serious illness and even death from West Nile virus.
\nPeople should continue to wear insect repellent when spending time outdoors until the first hard freeze. Resident are also reminded to remove potential breeding sites by cleaning or covering their swimming pools, disposing of old tires and other sources of standing water.
\nMore Mosquito Prevention Tips:<\/p>\n