Two cases of West Nile now confirmed in Allen County

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - Two human cases of the West Nile Virus have now been confirmed in Allen County. There are four other possible cases still under investigation. Last year there was one confirmed case in Allen County.

Statewide, there are 16 human West Nile cases and two people have died.

"We had a mild winter, a very early spring, a hot dry summer and it created the perfect conditions for mosquitos to develop and multiply and grow," Dr. Deborah McMahan, the Allen County Health Commissioner, said. "And people are getting a little apathethetic about using repellent."

Most people, about 80 percent, who get West Nile don't actually show symptoms and don't have a severe reaction. About 20 percent of cases will show symptoms like fever, muscle aches, headaches, and could develop a rash. But less than one percent of people will have serious side effects.

"Neurological changes, be confused, may have numbness or weakness in an arm or leg, a severe headache," McMahan said. "They need to be seen right away."

Click here to learn more about the West Nile Virus from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Last week, NewsChannel 15 shared Darla Keller's story . She was in the hospital for 15 days with West Nile.

“It was crushing and it was relentless. It was the most horrible pain I’ve ever been through in my life,” Keller said.

While the serious symptoms aren't common, McMahan said they should still put the public on alert.

"Even if it's less than one percent, if you're in that one percent, then it's 100 percent for you," she said. "What people should do is wear repellant. When we know there's potential for something serious that can have long-term problems, prevent it."

Repellents with DEET are recommended, but there are some products with oil of lemon eucalyptus, a natural, plant-based product, that was found to be as effective as repellents with low concentrations of DEET.

McMahan said people should keep using bug spray until at least November. Even though temperatures start to drop, McMahan said the health department typically sees a lot of mosquito-bite-related cases in October.