A recent testing of mosquitoes has revealed that the West Nile virus has been found within Kosciusko County.

According to Bob Weaver, director of the Kosciusko County Health Department, the State Health Department sets up traps every year in every county to monitor for mosquito transmitted viruses. This includes both West Nile and the more serious and rare Encephalitis. After collecting a test sample from a pool of mosquitoes in the southern part of the county near Highway 14, state officials found positive markers for West Nile.

Though some may panic over the findings, Weaver notes West Nile typically appears in the county every year. According to Weaver, the virus causes flu-like symptoms that, instead of lasting just a few days, can last up to weeks. Though the virus can be serious for those with poor health, Weaver notes most who contract it can be treated.

According to data provided by the Indiana State Health Department, a total of 169,159 mosquitoes, divided into 2,060 pools from 92 counties, have been tested this year. Of the 92 counties, 64 have tested positive for West Nile. Though there have been seven reported human cases of West Nile, no cases have been reported in the county. The nearest counties to report a human contraction of the virus were Huntington and St. Joseph counties.

There are several tips Weaver provided to help protect both yourself and your family. Removing any still water from your property helps prevent mosquitoes from forming breeding grounds. These waters include gutters and bird baths. In addition, utilizing mosquito spray in the mornings and evenings will help protect exposed skin from being bitten.