Local mosquitoes test positive for West Nile Virus
MEDINA – The Medina County Health Department received confirmation on July 12, 2017 that a sample of mosquitoes taken from Sharon Community Park in Sharon Township has tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). As part of a statewide mosquito surveillance program, the health department collects weekly mosquito samples at 14 locations throughout the county. This is the first positive test result that the health department has received this year.
“These findings are not surprising," said Environmental Health Director Colin Johnson. “We’ve increased our surveillance program in an effort to provide more information and education about West Nile virus. Essentially, we found a positive sample because we were looking for one. There is no reason for the residents of Sharon Township to change their daily activities.”
Approximately 80 percent of people who are infected with West Nile virus will not show any symptoms. Those who develop symptoms usually do so between 3 to 14 days after they are bitten by the infected mosquito.
The easiest and best way to avoid WNV is to prevent mosquito bites.
When outdoors, use repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, some oil of lemon eucalyptus or para menthane-diol. Follow the directions on the package.
At this time there are no reported human cases of West Nile virus in Ohio.
West Nile Virus control efforts
As a precautionary measure, the Medina County Health Department in partnership with Sharon Township, will be identifying and treating potential mosquito breeding sites in and around Sharon Community Park.
Annual mosquito prevention treatments begin in early May. The Medina County Health Department uses a larvicide tablet. The environmentally friendly tablet remains on the bottom of a catch basin for up to 180 days and is slowly released throughout the summer. Other types of larvicides are used in roadside ditches and areas that hold standing water.
For more information about the Medina County Health Department mosquito control program or West Nile virus, visit www.medinahealth.org or call 330-723-9688, option 3.
“These findings are not surprising," said Environmental Health Director Colin Johnson. “We’ve increased our surveillance program in an effort to provide more information and education about West Nile virus. Essentially, we found a positive sample because we were looking for one. There is no reason for the residents of Sharon Township to change their daily activities.”
Approximately 80 percent of people who are infected with West Nile virus will not show any symptoms. Those who develop symptoms usually do so between 3 to 14 days after they are bitten by the infected mosquito.
The easiest and best way to avoid WNV is to prevent mosquito bites.
When outdoors, use repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, some oil of lemon eucalyptus or para menthane-diol. Follow the directions on the package.
At this time there are no reported human cases of West Nile virus in Ohio.
West Nile Virus control efforts
As a precautionary measure, the Medina County Health Department in partnership with Sharon Township, will be identifying and treating potential mosquito breeding sites in and around Sharon Community Park.
Annual mosquito prevention treatments begin in early May. The Medina County Health Department uses a larvicide tablet. The environmentally friendly tablet remains on the bottom of a catch basin for up to 180 days and is slowly released throughout the summer. Other types of larvicides are used in roadside ditches and areas that hold standing water.
For more information about the Medina County Health Department mosquito control program or West Nile virus, visit www.medinahealth.org or call 330-723-9688, option 3.
