Health Dept. warns of West Nile outbreak
West Nile virus activity in mosquitoes continues to rise. As of Aug. 20, the Ohio Department of Health reported five human WNV cases including one fatality.
West Nile virus activity in mosquitoes continues to rise. There have now been indications of virus activity in 52 Ohio counties so far this year. As of Aug. 20, the Ohio Department of Health reported five human WNV cases including one fatality and two asymptomatic WNV viremic blood donors in Ohio.
Additionally ODH received a report yesterday from the Ohio Department of Agriculture of an equine case in an unvaccinated horse.
ODH also is reporting six LAC cases and two unspecified California virus cases. The rainfall this summer has continuously filled tree holes and containers with water, creating ideal conditions for tree-hole mosquitoes (vectors of LAC virus) to breed.
There are quite a few weeks left of mosquito season, and cases can occur into October, so it is important to continue avoiding mosquito bites:
—Wear long sleeves, long pants and long socks when outdoors and use EPA-registered repellents.
—Help reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home by emptying standing water on a regular basis from flowerpots, gutters, buckets, pool covers, pet water dishes, discarded tires and birdbaths.
—Install or repair screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes outside.
For additional information regarding West Nile or other arboviruses, call the Wayne County Health Department at 330-264-9590.