Health Dept. issues West Nile reminder

Van Wert independent/County Health Department information

With the large amounts of rain received this spring, mosquitoes are plentiful.  The Van Wert County Health Department would like to remind the public to take precautions against mosquito bites and West Nile Virus.

West Nile virus is transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito.  It has caused illness and mortality in humans, wildlife and domestic animals, especially birds and horses.  In 2010 there were five human cases in Ohio.  In humans, West Nile Virus may have similar symptoms to an influenza-like illness, but some people may show no symptoms at all.  A small number of people, especially persons over 50 years of age may develop a serious illness. West Nile virus is important because it affects not only people, but also wildlife (including many game animals), and some domestic animals, especially horses.  Take preventative measures to protect yourself against mosquito bites.  Wear long sleeves and pants when working or spending time outdoors and use an approved insect repellant, especially when outdoor activities occur during the hours around dawn and dusk.  Insect repellants should have an EPA-registered active ingredient such as DEET or picaridin.

In addition to avoiding mosquito bites, removing mosquito-breeding habitat will help reduce the number of mosquitoes in the area.  Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water, which includes puddles, stagnant ditches, and containers such as old tires, buckets, cans, or neglected swimming pools.  Storm sewers, culverts, and catch basins provide outdoor resting places for the adult Culex pipiens mosquito (the common house mosquito), which is most commonly associated with West Nile virus.  Empty stagnant water where it has collected and remove or turn over containers and objects that may collect water.  Check trees for cavities that may hold water and fill them with gravel or sand.  Cut tall weeds or grass, as they provide a resting place for mosquitoes.  Keep unscreened windows or doors closed to prevent entry by mosquitoes and replace or repair broken or missing screens.

The Ohio Department of Health is not collecting dead birds for testing for West Nile Virus, but the public may report dead birds, especially dead crows and blue jays, to the Van Wert County Health Department for surveillance purposes.  Anyone interested in additional information can call the Health Department or go to the West Nile Virus page on our website at http://www.vanwertcountyhealth.org/west-nile-virus.php.  Government offices or businesses interested in obtaining educational materials to be posted onsite or distributed to their clientele may contact the Britt Menchhofer at the Van Wert County Health Department at 419.238.0808, extension 105.