West Nile virus found locally
A pool of mosquitoes tested positive for the West Nile virus at the Warren Township Garage.
The Tuscarawas County Health Department has been conducting trapping for the culex species of mosquito throughout the summer in Tuscarawas County. The department was notified on Monday, July 9 that a pool of mosquitoes tested positive for the West Nile virus at the Warren Township Garage.
The health department will respond to the positive pool according to Center for Disease Control guidelines. Spraying within a 2-mile radius of the location of the positive pool will occur on more than one occasion.
Further, spraying throughout Warren Township also will take place. Spraying will occur beginning on Tuesday, July 10. In the case of rain, high winds or cold temperatures, spraying will be postponed. Persons with respiratory problems should take appropriate actions to remain indoors while spraying is occurring.
Despite a high mosquito count near the Uhrichsville Water Park, there was no indication of West Nile virus. However, TCHD also will spray the Uhrichsville area beginning on Tuesday as well.
Residents are encouraged to follow the following guidelines from the Ohio Department of Health:
—Avoid mosquito bites. It is import to prioritize personal protection to prevent mosquito bites.
—Wear EPA-registered mosquito repellents whenever mosquitoes are present and follow label instructions. Wear long, loose, light-colored clothing. Install or repair screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes outside.
—Help reduce mosquito breeding around your home. Get rid of potential mosquito-breeding sites to help prevent mosquito-borne diseases.
—Empty standing water from flowerpots, gutters, buckets, pool covers, pet water dishes, discarded tires and birdbaths. Consider using products containing Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis, available at many garden and home improvement stores, to control mosquito larvae in containers that are too large to empty. Follow the label instructions.
—All horse owners should vaccinate their animals against West Nile virus. Contact your vet to find out more information on this important vaccine.
Taking these steps will help protect against mosquito-borne diseases including West Nile virus and Zika virus.
For information on mosquito-control activities or for up-to-date mosquito-borne disease information, visit www.tchdnow.org or call 330-343-5550.