CHILLICOTHE – One mosquito has confirmed positive for west nile virus in Chillicothe last week.
The Ross County Health District has been notifed by the Ohio Department of Health that mosquitoes tested in one of their traps was confirmed positive for carrying West Nile Virus. The trap was located Coppel Athletic Complex on Star Drive in Chillicothe Ohio. Last year Pickaway County had 14 total mosquitos that tested positive for West Nile.
Last year both Pickaway County and Ross county have tested positive for west nile virus. This is the reason that the state of Ohio EPA gave grants to Ross and Pickaway County Public Health for mosquito control. Utilizing the grant, a summer intern was hired to perform mosquito surveillance. His efforts have been focused on trapping/testing adult mosquitoes and eliminating both mosquito larva and the breeding habitat of mosquitoes. These measures will reduce the number of mosquitoes and therefore the number of cases of mosquito-borne illnesses.
Ross and Pickaway County Public Health mosquito control program uses an integrated mosquito management (IMM) approach to control mosquitoes. IMM uses a combination of methods to prevent and control mosquitoes that spread viruses, like West Nile.
A bite om a mosquito carrying West Nile Virus can cause fever, aches,joint pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and rash; however, most – 8 out of IO people – will not develop any symptoms. SeriousillnessassociatedwithWestNileVirusisrare,butcanincludecentral nervous system disorders including encephalitis and/or meningitis. There is no vaccine or antiviral treatment r West Nile Virus, so the most effective way to avoid in ction is to prevent the mosquito bite. Use mosquito repellent as directed on the package. Avoid outdooractivitiesduringdusktodawnwhenmosquitoesaremostactive. Wearlong sleeves,longpants,andtuckclothingin. Reducemosquitobreedingsitesaroundyour home by removing sources of standing water, such as ower pots, buckets and barrels. Tum wading pools on their side when not in use. Change water in birdbaths and pet dishes equently. The Ross County Health District (RCHD) has the ability to treat stagnant water to prevent mosquitoes from reproducing . Concerned individuals can contact the RCHD at 740-775-1158 to schedule an on-site consultation.
