Knox Public Health has confirmed the presence of West Nile virus in Knox County following mosquito trapping and testing. The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) reported positive results from samples collected in Danville, making Knox County one of 14 counties in Ohio with confirmed West Nile virus activity.
According to Knox Public Health, nearly 137,600 mosquitoes from 3,947 samples have been tested this summer across 40 counties in Ohio, resulting in one confirmed human case of the virus. Environmental Health Director Nate Overholt said that pesticide spraying will be conducted in response to these findings.
West Nile virus is primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito, which acquires the virus after feeding on an infected bird. Symptoms can include fever, headache, joint pain, vomiting, or rash in about one in five individuals infected. Less than one percent may experience severe neurological complications such as encephalitis or meningitis. Knox Public Health plans to spray pesticide in Danville on the evening of Wednesday, July 23. If weather conditions are unfavorable, the spraying will be rescheduled. Additionally, standing water will be treated with larvicide to curb mosquito breeding. Residents are advised to eliminate stagnant water and use insect repellents approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Overholt said that "mosquitoes are likely to be biting between dusk and dawn." He advised that if outdoor activities during these times are necessary, individuals should "cover up by wearing shoes, socks, long pants, and long-sleeved shirts" and opt for light-colored clothing as they are less attractive to mosquitoes.
Knox Public Health provides services related to disease prevention, environmental health, and health education throughout Knox County. The agency addresses various public health concerns including water contamination, food safety issues, improper waste disposal practices, and communicable disease outbreaks. Its staff conducts regular inspections of restaurants, pools, and septic systems; administers vaccinations; monitors air and water quality; and offers health programs. The department also supports initiatives focused on smoking prevention, child safety measures, and emergency preparedness efforts. Community involvement and partnerships with other agencies are integral to its mission of improving local health outcomes.
