State health officials urge residents to protect themselves from mosquitoes, after a probable case of Eastern equine encephalitis was reported in a LaPorte County resident.
State Health Commissioner Dr. Kris Box says that while it’s rare in humans, the virus can cause permanent complications and even death. Symptoms include chills, fever, body aches, and joint pain, with brain inflammation in more severe cases.
One horse in Kosciusko County and two horses in LaGrange County have also tested positive. Dr. Box says northern Indiana residents need to be especially vigilant.
The Indiana Department of Health recommends avoiding being outdoors when mosquitoes are active, using an EPA-registered insect repellent, covering exposed skin, and eliminating mosquito breeding sites. Northern Indiana had a significant EEE virus outbreak last year, with one fatal human case, 14 horse cases, and one positive mosquito sample.
