ROSS COUNTY, Ohio — The Ross County Health District has confirmed the first mosquito pools of the season to test positive for West Nile virus, with one positive sample identified in Green Township and another in Union Township.
Ross County Health District Director of Environmental Health Kelly Spindler received confirmation of the test results this week. While mosquitoes have tested positive for the virus, no human cases have been reported in Ross County.
Health officials say it is not unusual to detect West Nile virus in mosquitoes during the summer months. West Nile virus is the most common mosquito-borne disease in the United States and is most often spread in Ohio through the bite of an infected northern house mosquito (Culex pipiens). These mosquitoes are most active between dusk and dawn and typically breed in standing or stagnant water.
Common mosquito breeding sites include storm drains, roadside ditches, neglected swimming pools, bird baths, flowerpots, clogged gutters, buckets, old tires, and other containers that collect rainwater.
According to health officials, most people infected with West Nile virus never develop symptoms. However, about one in five people may experience fever, headache, body aches, joint pain, nausea, or a skin rash. In rare instances, the virus can cause severe neurological illness. Adults over the age of 60 and individuals with certain chronic health conditions face the greatest risk of serious complications.
There is currently no vaccine or specific treatment for West Nile virus, making prevention the best defense.
The Ross County Health District recommends residents take the following precautions:
- Wear long sleeves and long pants when outdoors, especially during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
- Eliminate standing water around homes by emptying containers such as bird baths, buckets, flowerpots, and clogged gutters at least once a week.
- Use an EPA-approved insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus (PMD).
- Consider wearing clothing treated with permethrin for additional protection. Permethrin should be applied only to clothing and gear, never directly to the skin.
The health district is evaluating whether additional mosquito surveillance, public education efforts, larvicide treatments, or adult mosquito spraying will be needed in the areas where the positive mosquito pools were detected.
Residents can also obtain free mosquito larvicide tablets from the Ross County Health District, while supplies last, for use in standing water that cannot be drained.
Health officials encourage residents to remain vigilant throughout mosquito season and to take simple preventive measures to reduce both mosquito populations and the risk of infection.
