August 14 2006:

Health officials from Ripley County report that recent  testing of  mosquito pools found in Ripley County have confirmed the presence of  West Nile Virus. 

Ripley County  joins 20 other counties in Indiana with confirmed reported cases of  the virus.  As of today, August 14, 2006 the number of cases in Indiana is as follows: 

Human Cases-1

Birds-11

Mosquitos-71

Horses-0 

The Indiana State Department of  Health provides information on its website at

Indiana West Nile Virus about the virus , its symptoms, treatment and how to reduce risks.  West Nile Virus is carried by mosquitoes that contract it from infected birds.  Eliminating standing water which serves as  a breeding area for mosquitoes is one  of the recommended steps to respond to the threat of the disease.  Property owners are encouraged to check for and eliminate such areas.

Taking common sense steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes is also recommended.  Use insect repellant and cover up as much as you can when spending time outdoors.

Ripley County Health Department officials will be looking for and testing suspected mosquito breeding areas.  If you are aware of such areas but are unable to eliminate or treat them yourself, please report these areas to the Ripley County Health Department at 812-689-5751 Extension 296.  Voluntary cooperation and participation by the public and property owners is essential for an effective response and ongoing defense to threat of the virus.

Horses are more susceptible to the disease than other animals and have been reported to have died from the disease in western Indiana.  A vaccine for horses is available.

Information about the virus, any new confirmed cases and recommendations on how to reduce the risk will be made available to the public through the normal media. 

If you have access to the internet, you are encouraged to the check the above Indiana State Department of Health website for information on the West Nile Virus throughout the State of Indiana which is updated daily.