Officials warn of West Nile Virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis in Elkhart County

ELKHART COUNTY, Ind.—Health officials are continuing to warn communities in Elkhart County of a threat of mosquito-borne illnesses.

Elkhart County Health Department said Friday that it received notices from the state recently that mosquitoes have tested positive for West Niles Virus throughout the county.

The presence of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) has also been found in Elkhart County, the health department said.

Officials are warning that mosquitoes will remain active at temperatures above 60 degrees Fahrenheit, especially during the evening and pre-dawn hours.

Tips for staying safe against mosquito-borne illnesses, according to health department officials, are:

• Empty containers holding water
• Unclog gutters
• Mow overgrown vegetation 
• Dispose of old tires
• Maintain screens in doorways and windows
• Clean and keep swimming pools operations
• Aerate ornamental ponds

The Elkhart County cases follow a recent warning from Michigan health officials who identified suspected cases of EEE in residents from Berrien and Kalamazoo counties.

Horses in Michigan who have confirmed cases of EEE who were not vaccinated for the disease have died.

Signs of EEE include sudden onset fever, chills, body and joint aches.

For more information about mosquito-borne disease, visit Michigan.gov/emergingdiseases.