Mosquito Control Measures

Almost everyone has had the unpleasant experience of being bitten by a mosquito. Mosquito bites can cause skin irritation through an allergic reaction to the mosquito's saliva - this is what causes the red bump and itching. But a more serious consequence of some mosquito bites may be transmission of serious diseases and viruses such as malaria, dengue virus, Zika and West Nile virus, which can lead to disabling and potentially deadly effects (such as encephalitis, meningitis and microcephaly). 

Not only can mosquitoes carry diseases that afflict humans, but they also can transmit several diseases and parasites that dogs and horses are very susceptible to. These include dog heart worms, eastern equine encephalitis and West Nile virus.

Identifing Mosquito Habitats

Different species of mosquitoes prefer different types of standing water in which to lay their eggs. The presence of beneficial predators such as fish and dragonfly nymphs in permanent ponds, lakes and streams help keep these bodies of water relatively free of mosquito larvae. However, portions of marshes, swamps, clogged ditches and temporary pools and puddles are all prolific mosquito breeding sites. Other sites in which some species lay their eggs include:

• tree holes
• old tires
• gutters
• buckets
• toys
• potted plant trays and saucers
• plastic covers or tarpaulins and even places as small as bottle caps

Avoid Getting Bitten

• Keep mosquitoes away from exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks.
• Tuck shirts into pants and pants into socks to cover gaps in your clothing where mosquitoes can get to your skin.
• Stay indoors when possible, especially if there is a mosquito-borne disease warning in effect.
• Use EPA-registered mosquito repellents when necessary and follow label directions and precautions closely.
• Use head nets, long sleeves and long pants if you venture into areas with high mosquito populations, such as salt marshes.
• Replace your outdoor lights with yellow "bug" lights, which tend to attract fewer mosquitoes than ordinary lights. The yellow lights are NOT repellents, however.

Read more: Mosquito Control Measures

Hepatitis A Case Information

CLARK CO. HEALTH DEPARTMENT INVESTIGATING HEPATITIS A CASES

_{Posted March 15, 2018}

The Clark County Health Department (CCHD) is working with the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH), West Clark Community Schools and the Clark County Jail to investigate several recent cases of Hepatitis A, some of which are linked epidemiologically to an outbreak in Louisville.

As of March 15, 2018, several cases of Hepatitis A have been confirmed among inmates at the jail. Additional cases have been identified in individuals at the Henryville Elementary School.The Clark County Health Department is working to identify and notify individuals who may have been exposed.

“The Clark County Health Department is working closely with all parties involved to protect the health, safety and well-being of our community”, said Dr. Yazel, Clark County Health Officer.

Hepatitis A is a viral infection of the liver. It is highly contagious and is generally transmitted via fecal-oral routes or through consumption of contaminated food or water. Individuals can contractthe virus through contact with:

• Foods prepared or served by an infected person(s)
• Stool or blood of an infected person(s)
• Inanimate objects that may have trace amounts of fecal material from hand contact.

Symptoms vary greatly, from severe to none at all. Symptoms may include loss of appetite,nausea, tiredness, fever, stomach ache, dark (cola) colored urine, and light colored stools.Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin) may appear a few days after the onset of these symptoms. Persons can become ill 15 to 50 days after being exposed to the virus. Most people who get Hepatitis A feel sick for several weeks, but they usually recover completely and do not have lasting liver damage.

Read more: Hepatitis A Case Information