Continued trapping and testing of mosquitoes in Knox County has resulted in positive identification of West Nile Virus (WNV) in two additional locations. Knox Public Health received notification of the positive results from the Ohio Department of Health (ODH).
The positive samples were collected in Mount Vernon and Gambier.
“We will be conducting pesticide spraying in the areas they [mosquitoes] were trapped,” Suzanne Dapprich, emergency preparedness coordinator with Knox Public Health, said.
The environmental health staff will also be treating areas of standing water with larvicide to help reduce the mosquito population.
WNV is spread to humans from the bite of an infected mosquito, which gets the virus from biting an infected bird. The virus can cause an infection in humans that can lead to encephalitis. In Ohio, West Nile Virus infection can occur anytime during mosquito season, which typically runs from May through October. Most human cases are reported in July through October.
Most people who become infected with WNV do not have any symptoms. About one in five infected people develop a fever with other symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. Less than one percent of infected people develop a serious neurologic illness, such as encephalitis or meningitis (inflammation of the brain or surrounding tissues).
There is no specific treatment for WNV infection, and care is based on symptoms.
Dapprich recommends that local residents take precautionary measures to lower the risk of mosquitoes in their area. Measures include using insect repellents with DEET, other EPA-approved repellents, or removing standing water in items like flower pot saucers and toys. Mosquitoes only need a small amount of water to lay their eggs which can hatch in a matter of days.
“Mosquitoes will be most active between dusk and dawn, so cover up with light-colored long sleeves and pants if you are outside during this time,” Dapprich said. “The best way to prevent bites is to wear insect repellents with DEET, other EPA-approved repellents, and removing standing water from toys and flower pot saucers. Parents should also use mosquito netting around baby carriers or strollers if they will be outside for extended periods of time.”
There is a limited supply of Mosquito-repellent wipes that will be available at public libraries throughout Knox County and Knox Public Health.
For more information about West Nile Virus, visit odh.ohio.gov or KnoxHealth.com. To stay up to date on public health topics follow Knox Public Health on Facebook, Instagram, or X @KnoxHealth.
