Vector control reports no local West Nile positives yet; trap program under way

Vigo County vector-control staff reported that their light-trap program had collected 30 mosquito pools so far this season and that none had tested positive for West Nile virus. The state has reported positive pools in other counties. Mike Green, vector-control supervisor, said the county distributed about 5,200 mosquito-awareness coloring books and began state testing on June 1. He said staff have sent four bats for rabies testing; all were negative. Green said seasonal crews of 17- and 18-year-old workers have helped expand the department—s catch basin treatment program and that staff treated an additional 300 to 500 catch basins this season. "With the 90-degree temperatures we've been having and the lack of rainfall, we probably will be getting West Nile positive before long," Green said, noting that so far the county has been spared. He reported hearing an unconfirmed West Nile-positive pool in nearby Clay County. Why it matters: Early detection in mosquito pools guides public-health responses and public messaging about personal protective measures and fogging schedules. Expanded catch-basin treatment and community outreach are standard preventive steps. The vector-control team said nightly trapping and larval monitoring continue and invited the board to ask questions about operations and findings.