The first 2017 cases of West Nile virus in humans have occurred in Indiana, and state health officials are urging you to take steps to protect yourself from mosquito bites. The Indiana State Department of Health says that as of June 14th, two human cases of West Nile virus have been documented in Hamilton and Lake counties, and mosquitoes in Morgan and Tippecanoe counties have tested positive for West Nile virus. Health officials expect to see increased West Nile activity throughout the state this summer.

Some steps you can take to protect yourself include:

– Avoid being outside when mosquitoes are active (especially late afternoon, dusk to dawn and early morning);
– Apply an insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus or para-menthane-diol to clothes and exposed skin;
– Cover exposed skin;
– Install or repair screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out of your home;
– Discard old tires, tin cans, ceramic pots or other containers that can hold water;
– Repair failed septic systems;
– Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers left outdoors;
– Keep grass cut short and shrubbery trimmed;
– Clean clogged roof gutters;
– Frequently replace the water in pet bowls;
– Flush ornamental fountains and birdbaths periodically;
– Aerate ornamental pools, or stock them with predatory fish

To see the latest results of ISDH’s mosquito surveillance, go to https://gis.in.gov/apps/ISDH/Arbo/.