CCCHD: West Nile virus found in Clark County mosquitoes

CLARK COUNTY, Ohio (WDTN) – A recent mosquito sample collected by the Clark County Combined Health District (CCCHD) tested positive for West Nile virus.

CCCHD said the positive sample was taken from the Catawba area. Mosquitoes trapped throughout the county are being referred to the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) as part of their vector-borne disease control program.

In response to the confirmed presence of West Nile virus, CCCHD said it is doing the following:

• Inspect the affected area and work with landowners to reduce sources of breeding by draining standing water or treating standing water with products containing Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti). Bti is safe for humans and pets and only affects mosquito larvae
• Distribution of information leaflets in the affected area
• Spray the affected area with Duet to reduce the adult mosquito population when weather permits. While safe for humans and pets, residents concerned about misting can opt out by calling (937) 390-5600 or sending the request and their email address to [email protected]
• Continue to monitor the area for West Nile virus

West Nile virus (WNV) is most often transmitted by infected mosquitoes and can cause severe fever, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord), according to one. communicated. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds. Infected mosquitoes can then transmit the virus to humans and other animals when they bite.

“About 80% of people infected with WNV will not have any symptoms, but there is no way to know in advance whether you will develop a disease or not,” the CCCHD said in a statement. “Those who develop symptoms usually do so between three and 14 days after being bitten by the infected mosquito. There is no specific treatment for WNV infection and care is symptom based.

The CCCHD said about one in 150 people infected with WNV will develop serious illness. Serious symptoms can include high fever, headache, stiff neck, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, seizures, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness, and paralysis. These symptoms can last for several weeks and the neurological effects can be permanent.

Depending on the department, up to 20% of those infected will experience symptoms that may include fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes swollen lymph nodes or a rash on the chest, stomach and back. Symptoms can last for a few days or up to several weeks.

The CCCHD said the best way to avoid infection with West Nile virus is to prevent mosquito bites by doing the following:

To avoid:

• Apply repellents to exposed skin registered with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• Wear long sleeves and pants or consider staying indoors as much as possible

Plan:

• If you are traveling, check travel tips in advance and plan accordingly
• Have EPA approved mosquito repellent and long pants and shirts available to prevent bites
• Do outdoor activities at times when mosquito activity is less

Stop:

• Get rid of mosquito breeding sites by draining or treating any standing water on your property (even small amounts of standing water can be a breeding site for mosquitoes)
• Make sure screens on windows and doors are free of holes or tears. You can also choose to use the air conditioning instead of opening the windows if possible

The CCCHD has sent an alert to the local medical community to facilitate faster human diagnosis of West Nile virus. For more information contact CCCHD at (937) 390-5600 or go to www.ccchd.com.