VANDERBURGH CO., Ind. (ADAMS) – Indiana’s first human case of West Nile virus for 2025 has been confirmed in a Vanderburgh County resident.
The Indiana Department of Health made the announcement Tuesday (see statement below), but did not offer any more information about the case.
Health officials say West Nile virus has been found in 56 mosquito samples taken from 15 counties this year.
The Indiana Department of Health released the following:
The state’s first West Nile virus (WNV) disease case for the 2025 season has been reported in a Vanderburgh County resident. No additional information about the case will be released to protect patient privacy.
West Nile virus activity has also been detected in mosquitoes throughout the state (56 samples taken from 15 counties). Visit the Indiana Mosquito-Borne Activity Dashboard to learn more. Indiana reported 11 human WNV cases in 2024.
The Indiana Department of Health expects to see additional West Nile virus cases as the mosquito season progresses. Taking precautions against mosquito bites can reduce the risk of disease caused by mosquito-borne viruses such as West Nile virus, Eastern equine encephalitis (triple-E) virus, and La Crosse virus.
“We have already had mosquitoes test positive for WNV this season,” said State Health Commissioner Lindsay Weaver, M.D., FACEP. “With large amounts of recent rainfall and projected high temperatures continuing this week, Hoosiers in all parts of the state should take steps to remove breeding sites around their homes.”
Steps to prevent mosquito-borne diseases include:
Use insect repellent. Apply EPA-registered insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, or 2-undecanone according to the label instructions.
Wear protective clothing. Wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants. Consider treating clothing and gear with a permethrin product (note: permethrin products should not be applied directly to the skin).
Install screens on windows and doors and keep them in good repair.
Look for containers that could hold water such as trash, tires, buckets, toys, pools, birdbaths, flowerpot saucers, or trash containers. Even a pool of water as small as in a bottle cap can breed mosquitoes.
Prevent mosquitoes from accessing containers. This can be done by removing trash, moving items indoors, covering or overturning items not in use, drilling holes in the bottom of trash containers, installing screens on rain barrels, replacing water in pet bowls daily and flushing birdbaths, fountains, and other containers at least once a week.
Maintain properties and landscaping in good condition. This includes regularly servicing septic systems, keeping grass mowed and shrubs trimmed, cleaning gutters regularly, and aerating ornamental pools or stocking them with predatory fish.
Most people infected with West Nile virus have no symptoms or only mild flu-like symptoms which can include fever, headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or a rash. A small number will develop a more severe form of the disease affecting the nervous system, including inflammation in the brain and spinal cord, muscle paralysis, or even death.
People older than 60 years and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of severe West Nile virus disease. People who think they may have West Nile virus disease should see their healthcare providers.
Visit the Indiana Department of Health HERE for more.
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