Times Staff Report
LAPORTE | The LaPorte County Health Department will begin spraying for mosquitoes this weekend in response to its first human case of the West Nile virus that was reported Friday.
That report comes on the heels of news Thursday that horses in LaPorte and Elkhart counties had died of Eastern Equine Encephalitis.
Both the virus and the encephalitis are transmitted by mosquito bites.
The Health Department announced it will spray for adult mosquitoes in select areas throughout the county in conjunction with the city of Michigan City. Spraying will take place in Center, Springfield, New Durham, Pleasant, Washington, Wills and Lincoln townships.
The spraying aims to reduce the number of biting adult female mosquitoes to a level where they no longer present a disease threat.
In order to kill adult mosquitoes, an aerosol must be applied so that it contacts the mosquito and is most effective when it is applied to flying mosquitoes. The Health Department also will continue to apply the larvicide throughout the county.
Health Department officials urge residents to prevent the breeding of mosquitoes by eliminating standing water in yards and around homes.
LaPorte County has seen one case of the West Nile virus this year. Lake County has reported two cases while no cases have been reported in Porter County in 2007.
Environmental health specialist Amanda Keane said the LaPorte County Health Department assists in trapping mosquitos, but no mosquitos or birds had tested positive this year. The Health Department also has distributed information and mosquito repellent to residents to remind them to take precautions against the virus.
LaPorte County officials offer the following tips to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes:
- Avoid being outdoors between dusk and dawn.
- Apply insect repellent containing DEET, Picaradin or oil of lemon eucalyptus to clothes and exposed skin.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants.
To eliminate breeding areas:
- Empty birdbaths and wading pools weekly.
- Clean clogged gutters.
- Empty flower pots of standing water.
- Get rid of old tires.
- Keep buckets, jars and other containers turned upside down.
