The Indiana Department of Health is taking the fight against a mosquito-borne virus to the air. As mentioned on Our site, aerial pesticide applications are planned for next week, in an area that includes parts of Marshall and LaPorte counties. It’s part of the state’s effort to control the Eastern equine encephalitis virus.
State health officials say a lab-confirmed case has been reported in a LaPorte County resident. The Board of Animal Health has reported probable cases in horses in LaPorte Kosciusko, and LaGrange counties. State Health Commissioner Dr. Kris Box says that while Eastern equine encephalitis is rare in humans, it can cause serious illness, and it’s fatal in about a third of the people who get it.
Since mosquitoes that carry the virus have a flight range of up to five miles, state health officials say about 375,000 acres in Elkhart, Kosciusko, LaGrange, LaPorte, Marshall and Noble counties are affected. Mosquito control professionals will apply an ultra-low volume spray of Dibrom, which is designed to kill mosquitoes on contact.
People who want to minimize exposure can stay indoors for several hours, beginning at dusk, on Tuesday and Wednesday evening. Health officials say residents may also want to bring animals indoors and cover ornamental fishponds and beehives, as a precaution. Dr. Box also urges residents to continue to protect themselves from mosquito bites and eliminate mosquito breeding grounds.
