The West Nile virus has been found just next door to Fishers, in Carmel’s Meadowlark Park.  According to my news-gathering partners at the Hamilton County Reporter, the Hamilton County Health Department discovered the virus in mosquitoes sampled from a trapping site.

The use of personal protection sprays that contain DEET is recommended by local health officials during any outdoor activities throughout the county.

The Health Department indicated the mosquito control website will be updated as new trap sites become positive.

Truck-mounted spraying areas

• All spraying activities are forecast-dependent related to precipitation and wind speed.
• All spraying has an approximate start time of 8:30 p.m. or local sunset.
• In the event of inclement weather (high winds or precipitation) individual routes will be rescheduled on the following business day.
• Please be aware that nuisance biting activity is increasing and that the Hamilton County Health Department uses only adulticide sprays for mosquitoes in known areas of positive West Nile Virus activity.

Here are some precautions individuals can take to prevent mosquito-borne disease transmission:

1. Use mosquito repellent. Use insect repellent on exposed skin when you go outdoors. Use an EPA-registered insect repellent such as those with DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Even a short time being outdoors can be long enough to get a mosquito bite.
2. Clothing can help reduce mosquito bites. When weather permits, wear long-sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors. Mosquitoes may bite through thin clothing, so spraying clothes with repellent containing permethrin or another EPA-registered repellent will give extra protection. Don’t apply repellents containing permethrin directly to skin. Do not spray repellent on the skin under your clothing.
3. Be aware of peak mosquito hours. The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many species of mosquitoes. Take extra care to use repellent and protective clothing during evening and early morning – or consider avoiding outdoor activities during these times.
4. Drain standing water. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by getting rid of items that hold water.
5. Install or repair screens. Some mosquitoes like to come indoors. Keep them outside by having well-fitting screens on both windows and doors. Offer to help neighbors whose screens might be in bad shape.