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Local mosquitoes test positive for West Nile virus

101 views · Published 31 July 2018 · 0:20 · Indexed 21 September 2026

Channel: LOCAL 12 · 2018 · News & Politics

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WARREN COUNTY, Ohio (WKRC) - The Warren County Health District found the West Nile virus in the county for the first time in 2018.

Warren County officials say a mosquito collected in Harlan Township earlier in July has tested positive. 

Hamilton County officials also say that mosquitoes that were recently trapped in Springfield Township have tested positive for the virus.

“We can all take action to eliminate mosquito breeding sites and take precautions to avoid mosquito bites,” Tim Ingram, Hamilton County Health Commissioner says. “West Nile was first identified in Ohio in 2001, so it’s not new to our area, but we like to take the opportunity to remind everyone to take precautions.” 

West Nile virus activity in mosquitoes is the highest Ohio has seen this early in the season since 2012 when 122 human cases were reported. 

There has been one report human case of West Nile in Ohio so far in 2018. That was reported in the Cleveland area.

"Approximately 80 percent of people who are infected with West Nile virus will not show any symptoms at all, but there is no way to know in advance if you will develop an illness or not. Those who do develop symptoms usually do so between two to 14 days after they are bitten by the infected mosquito," said the Ohio Department of Health.

According to the Ohio Department of Health, up to 20 percent of those who become infected will have these symptoms that can last for a few days to as long as several weeks:

Fever
Headache
Body aches
Nausea
Vomiting
Swollen lymph glands
Rash on chest, stomach or back
Also. about one in 150 who are infected will develop severe illness. The symptoms may last several weeks and neurological effects may be permanent. Those symptoms include:

High fever
Headache
Neck stiffness
Stupor
Disorientation
Coma
Tremors
Convulsions
Muscle weakness
Vision loss
Numbness
Paralysis
"While all residents of areas where virus activity has been identified are at risk, people over age 50 have the highest risk of developing severe WNV infections. Anyone experiencing any of these symptoms should contact their healthcare provider for evaluation," said Hamilton County health officials.

To avoid mosquito bites and contracting the West Nile Virus, there are a few tips you can follow:

Use bug-spray and insect repellent. Make sure you read the labels and follow instructions properly
Eliminate any standing water near your home. That can include puddles in your yard and driveway along with water in your gutters
Wear clothing that covers your arms and legs fully. (Long sleeve shirts and don't ear shorts)
Dispose or clean and put away pots, containers, cans, or any container that can hold water. Tires in your yard can also hold water, so watch out
Secure your windows and make sure they are tightly shut. Make sure screen doors and windows don't have any holes. Patch any holes you find.
You can learn more about the West Nile Virus by visiting the Centers for Disease Control website.

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