1st West Nile Virus Positive Mosquito Pools Reported in Ashland County
Ashland County Health Department has received notification from the Ohio Department of Health that two (2) mosquito pools in Ashland County have tested positive for West Nile Virus. The mosquito pools were collected in the area of E. 11th St. Ashland, Ohio on July 18 and August 3, 2018. Ashland County Health Department has notified local officials of these results.
Ashland County Health Department conducts routine surveillance of mosquitoes in the county through trapping and submission to the Ohio Department of Health for West Nile testing. There have been no reported human cases of West Nile Virus in Ashland County this year.
Ashland County Health Department reminds community members to do the following to protect themselves from mosquito bites:
- Remove standing water and water-holding containers from around your home and property
- Limit outside activities during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active
- If outside when mosquitoes are active, use an insect repellant containing DEET
- Wear loose, light-colored clothing while outside
Additionally, if you have areas on your property where standing water is an issue, you may treat standing water around homes with larvicide dunks that can be obtained from the Ashland County Health Department for free or purchased at some retail outlets. These areas include standing water in rain barrels, bird baths, unused tires, gutters, and boat or pool covers.
More information about keeping yourself safe from mosquito bites can be found at CDC- MOSQUITO BITE PREVENTION and the Ohio Department of Health at : www.odh.ohio.gov/en/odhprograms/bid/zdp/animals/mosquitoes
Also, you may contact the Ashland County Health Department via phone with any questions or comments at 419-282-4275.
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