Ohio’s first two clinical human cases of West Nile virus in 2011 were confirmed Tuesday by the Ohio Department of Health, which also reported a sharp increase in the number of WNV-positive mosquitoes.
A case of WNV meningitis was confirmed in a 19-year-old Cleveland-area woman who was hospitalized in Cuyahoga County. A 14-year-old boy in Putnam County was confirmed with WNV fever, but was not hospitalized. Both are recovering.
Meanwhile, the number of WNV-positive mosquito pools in the State of Ohio increased from 52 to 450 during the month of August. Because humans most often get WNV from the bite of an infected mosquito, ODH reminds Ohioans to take steps to help prevent infection.
“We see human cases of West Nile virus each year in Ohio,” said ODH Director Ted Wymyslo, M.D. “You can protect yourself and your loved ones from West Nile by taking simple preventive steps such as using insect repellent and eliminating containers that can collect water from your property.”
To avoid possible infection from mosquito bites:
- If you are outdoors between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active, be sure to wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, shoes and socks.
- Light colors are least attractive to mosquitoes. Use insect repellent and follow the label directions.
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.
http://www.19actionnews.com/story/15358101/two-ohioans-sickened-west-nile-virus
Article Courtesy of WOIO 19 Action News
