The Lake County Health Department announced Thursday it had received confirmation of West Nile virus in Northwest Indiana. The news comes a few days after the state’s first West Nile virus case this year, found in a Vanderburgh County resident.
The Indiana Department of Health said that several of its mosquito surveillance trap samples tested positive for West Nile virus on Thursday.
The department conducts routine surveillance for multiple mosquito-borne viruses, including West Nile and other related viruses. According to the surveillance program, there were two human cases of West Nile Virus in Lake County in 2024.
“The detection of West Nile virus in our area underscores the importance of taking simple, yet effective, precautions,” a Lake County Health Department spokesperson said in a statement. “We encourage everyone to follow our recommended guidelines to reduce mosquito exposure and help control the mosquito population.”
West Nile virus is one of the most common mosquito-borne illnesses in many parts of the world, including North America. It is primarily spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. The virus circulates between mosquitoes and birds, with humans and other mammals being accidental hosts, according to the Lake County Health Department.
Gary and Lake County residents, particularly older adults over age 60, people with certain medical conditions, and those with weakened immune systems, are at higher risk of developing severe illness.
According to the county health department, about 80% of West Nile cases do not show any symptoms. Mild symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, joint pains, diarrhea, vomiting, or rashes. Severe cases, which make up 1% of those infected, may develop severe neurological illness, tremors, coma, seizures, high fever, or paralysis.
The health department recommends all residents to take precautionary measures to minimize the risk of infection, including avoiding standing water, like in buckets, birdbaths, or clogged gutters. Officials also recommend using mosquito repellent and dressing protectively when outdoors to reduce exposed skin.
The health department will continue its surveillance efforts and provide updates to the community as needed. For more information on West Nile virus and mosquito bite prevention, residents can visit the Lake County Health Department website or the Indiana Department of Health website.