COLUMBUS – The state has announced the first death due to West Nile virus in Ohio in 2015, a 91-year-old Williams County man was hospitalized with encephalitis.
City, county crews spraying to kill mosquitoes
There have been eight reported human cases of WNV in Ohio this year in six counties, including Franklin County, according to the state Department of Health. Ohio reported 11 human West Nile cases last, 24 in 2013, and 122 in 2012.
“This time of the year, the risk of West Nile virus infection increases, and individuals should take reasonable precautions to avoid mosquito bites and eliminate potential mosquito breeding sites,” department medical director Dr. Mary DiOrio said.
About one in five people who become infected with the virus after being bitten by a mosquito develop a fever with other symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash, and fewer than 1 percent of infected people develop a serious neurologic illness, such as encephalitis or meningitis, DiOrio said.
To avoid 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.
Wear light-colored clothing, which is less attractive to mosquitoes.
Use EPA-registered mosquito repellent.
Install or repair screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out of your home.
To eliminate mosquito breeding sites around your home:
Eliminate standing water.
Empty or remove water-holding containers, such as buckets, unused flower pots and bird baths.
Make sure all roof gutters are clean and draining properly.
Keep child wading pools empty and on their sides when not being used.