08/21/2026
The Indiana Department of Health has notified the Orange County Health Department that one mosquito pool collected near Paoli between August 8 and August 14 tested positive for West Nile virus.
Residents are encouraged to take precautions against mosquito bites and reduce standing water around their homes and properties.
Protect yourself and your family:
• Use an EPA-registered insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, or 2-undecanone. Always follow label instructions.
• Wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants when possible.
• Consider treating clothing and outdoor gear with permethrin. Permethrin should not be applied directly to the skin.
• Take extra precautions between dusk and dawn, when the mosquitoes most responsible for spreading West Nile virus are most active.
Help control mosquitoes around your property:
• Remove standing water from tires, buckets, toys, pools, birdbaths, flowerpot saucers, trash containers, and other items.
• Replace water in pet bowls daily.
• Empty and clean birdbaths, fountains, and other outdoor containers at least once a week.
• Keep windows and doors properly screened.
• Keep grass mowed, shrubs trimmed, gutters clean, and septic systems properly maintained.
Most people infected with West Nile virus experience no symptoms or only mild flu-like symptoms. These may include fever, headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or a rash.
In rare cases, West Nile virus can cause severe illness affecting the nervous system. Adults over age 60 and individuals with weakened immune systems are at greater risk. Anyone who believes they may be experiencing symptoms should contact their healthcare provider.
For additional information and to view Indiana’s Mosquito-Borne Activity Dashboard, visit:
https://www.in.gov/health/idepd/zoonotic-and-vectorborne-epidemiology-entomology/vector-borne-diseases/mosquito-borne-diseases/
Orange County Health Department:
https://www.in.gov/localhealth/orangecounty/
Questions may be directed to:
Lonnie Stroud
Orange County Health Department Sanitarian
📧 [email protected]
📞 812-723-7131
Please share this information and help keep Orange County safe.
— Orange County Government
