2026 West Nile Virus Press Release
HEALTH OFFICIALS REPORT EVIDENCE OF WEST NILE VIRUS IN HARRISON COUNTY NOW IN 2026 Harrison County health officials report that a mosquito group has tested positive for the West Nile virus. Danny Schroeder, Environmental Health Director with the Harrison County Health Department stresses the importance of taking appropriate precautions to avoid mosquito bites and also stating that there is no human vaccine and no cure for West Nile virus infection, but it can be prevented." The HCHD recommends that you do the following when mosquitoes are biting: _ Avoid being outdoors during prime mosquito biting times, dawn to dusk, when possible; or when outdoors _ Apply insect repellent containing DEET to clothes and exposed skin; and _ Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants. West Nile virus is transmitted to a human by a mosquito that has first bitten an infected bird. A person who is bitten by an infected mosquito may show symptoms from 3 to 15 days after the bite. Individuals over age 50 are at the greatest risk for serious illness, including disabling neurological problems. Health officials caution that people of all ages are at risk for infection and severe illness and should take precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. The virus usually causes a milder form of illness, West Nile fever, which includes fever, headache, body aches, swollen lymph glands, and sometimes a rash. The Culex mosquito, which is the primary carrier of the West Nile virus, breeds well when the weather is hot and dry. These mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, like can be found in clogged rain gutters, ditches, catch basins, and unattended pools and bird baths. Hundreds of mosquito’s can come from a small amount of water, like in a discarded tire or an unattended flowerpot. We are urging residents to remove standing water from their property to avoid having mosquitoes breed around their homes. If you have, any questions regarding mosquitoes please contact the Harrison County Health Department at (812) 738-3237.
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