The St. Joseph County Department of Health has issued a public health advisory for West Nile Virus.
The department urges residents to be aware of the threat of the virus in the county. Despite cooler temperatures, mosquitoes are still being trapped and testing positive for the virus. Elkhart County has had 20 cases of West Nile, and St. Joe County has identified 24 positive pools of mosquitoes this year.
Also, Eastern Equine Ecephalitis has been detected in lower Michigan.
West Nile Virus can be severe in some people, so if you think you’ve contracted it you should contact your health care provider. Be sure to protect exposed skin, use insect repellent containing DEET, and make sure your windows have screens.