West Nile Virus Found in Floyd County Mosquito Pool

Overview

• Local health authorities say routine testing found a pool of mosquitoes in Floyd County positive for West Nile virus, and no human cases have been linked to the finding.
• Most people infected show no or mild symptoms such as fever, headache and body aches, while serious neurologic illness occurs in fewer than 1 percent of cases and is more likely in older adults and people with conditions like cancer, diabetes or kidney disease.
• Officials are advising simple, practical steps to reduce bites and breeding sites: use EPA‑registered repellents (DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus), wear long sleeves and pants during peak mosquito hours, and remove standing water from gutters, tires and containers.
• The Floyd County Health Department will place mosquito traps on request for homeowners at 812-948-4726, and officials have not released the exact location of the positive mosquito pool.
• The detection reflects routine seasonal surveillance meant to give an early warning about local mosquito activity and should prompt residents to inspect yards, repair screens and follow local guidance to lower the chance of human infections.