COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Columbus Health Commissioner Dr. Teresa C. Long Thursday confirmed that two pools of mosquitoes collected in two mosquito traps tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV).
NBC 4 reported with the FAST FACTS.
It was the first reported West Nile found in the city of Columbus limits this season.
The positive pools were collected from the Northeast region, which was recently sprayed, and the near North region, which will be sprayed next Monday.
“These positive results are a reminder of the importance of taking precautions to protect ourselves from mosquito exposure, Long said.
“Residents can protect themselves by using insect repellant, wearing protective clothing at dawn or dusk, repairing window screens and eliminating standing water, such as bird baths and baby pools, where mosquitoes lay eggs.”
In 2009, WNV has been detected in mosquito pools in Franklin and Montgomery Counties. Columbus recorded no human cases in 2008 and 2007, and one case in 2006. Ohio has recorded human cases of WNV each year since 2002 when there were 441 cases. Statewide, there were 108 in 2003, 12 in 2004, 61 in 2005, 48 in 2006 and 23 in 2007.
WNV is transmitted to humans and animals through a mosquito bite. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds.
Most individuals who are infected with WNV will not experience any illness. Individuals 50 years of age and older have a higher chance of getting sick and are more likely to develop serious symptoms when infected with WNV.
Recent data also indicated that those with diabetes and/or hypertension are at greatest risk for serious illness. Symptoms of West Nile are similar to the flu, including fever, headache, body aches, skin rash and swollen glands. People with these symptoms should consult their doctors.
To eliminate mosquito breeding sites near your home: Remove all discarded tires and other water-holding containers, such as tin cans and unused flower pots, from your property. Eliminate standing water from your property. Make sure all roof gutters are clean and properly draining. Clean and chlorinate pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs. Keep them empty when not in use and drain water from pool covers. Change water in bird baths weekly.
For more information on the West Nile Virus, as well as weekly fogging schedules, visit the Columbus Public Health Web site at http://www.publichealth.columbus.gov.
Additional information on West Nile is also available at http://www.cdc.gov and http://www.epa.gov.
For additional information, stay with NBC 4 and refresh nbc4i.com -- Where Accuracy Matters.
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