ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Ind. -- Officials in St. Joseph County are asking residents to be aware of a potentially serious illness in the area.

The county health department announced West Nile Virus-positive mosquitoes have been detected in the county; it specifically mentioned Portage Township in a press release.

Officials encourage residents to take protective measures against mosquitoes, including the following:

• Avoid the outdoors at dusk and dawn
• Use EPA-registered bug spray
• Wear clothing that covers exposed skin, including long sleeves, a hat, and/or long pants
• Treat outdoor clothing and gear with 0.5% permethrin if camping
• Make sure al screened windows and doors are in good condition

The department also urges homeowners to reduce mosquito breeding at their properties. This can include getting rid of and/or replacing old containers of water, repairing failed septic systems, keeping rain barrels covered in wire mesh, cleaning roof gutters, and keeping swimming pools clean and chlorinated.