Elkhart County woman dies from West Nile

August 25, 2011|WSBT-TV Report

The West Nile virus claimed a life this week in Elkhart County, according to a county health official.

The family of 60-year-old Wanda Lambdin of Goshen confirms she died Wednesday from West Nile and was perfectly healthy otherwise.

Health Officer Daniel Nafziger confirmed she didn’t die because of complications with other diseases or health issues. West Nile was the sole cause.

This is the first Elkhart County death attributed to West Nile this year and only the second human case of the virus.

The Indiana Department of Health says that mosquitoes in 11 Indiana counties have tested positive this year for the virus, which is spread by the insects.

More than 20 Indiana residents have died from West Nile virus since 2002. The virus was found in 54 of Indiana's 92 counties last year and one person died.

To avoid becoming infected, health officials recommend residents avoid being outdoors from dusk to dawn, use insect repellant, remove items that can hold standing water and wear long-sleeved shirts and pants when outdoors when possible.

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Additional information provided by the Associated Press.

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