The man dies of West Nile virus; first reported death in Ohio

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WKBN) – The Ohio Department of Health has announced the death of a West Nile virus (West Nile) man, the first death reported by the virus this year.

The 68-year-old Lucas County man was hospitalized for encephalitis.

At the national level, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 468 human cases of West Nile virus this year.

Last year, the Ministry of Health reported 65 human cases of West Nile virus, including six deaths.

Most cases of West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne diseases usually occur from May to October, when mosquitoes are most active.

According to health professionals, many people exposed to the virus are aware that they have caught the virus.

"The problem with West Nile is that most of the time people do not show symptoms, even if you are infected. Your body usually takes care of it and you have no idea, "said Dr. James Shina of the Steward Medical Group.

About one in five infected people have fever, headache, body pain, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash.

According to ODH, less than 1% of those infected develop a serious neurological disease such as encephalitis or meningitis.

There is no medicine or vaccine to prevent infection. The best thing to do is to prevent mosquito bites.

"Prevention is so much easier than treatment because if you have encephalitis, it's an inflammation of the brain," said veterinarian Dr. David Allen.

Experts advise the public to cover, wear an insect repellent and remove habitats that attract mosquitoes.

"It's almost all about mosquitoes. You know, repellents, long-sleeved, try to get them where they catch them, "said Shina.

"Stagnant water anywhere, water that does not move, which is perfect for breeding and breeding mosquitoes," Allen said.

ODH offered detailed tips to avoid mosquito bites:

• Use EPA approved repellents according to the label instructions.
• Wear long sleeves, long pants and long socks on the outside.
• Mosquitoes can sting through thin clothes. Therefore, spraying an approved EPA repellent on clothing will provide additional protection.
• Treat clothing and equipment such as pants, boots, socks and tents with a product containing permethrin, or buy clothing or equipment treated with permethrin. Do not apply permethrin directly to the skin.
• Protect your house from mosquitoes:
• Install or repair screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out.
• Help reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home by regularly emptying stagnant water from flower pots, gutters, buckets, pool covers, pet pans, discarded tires and bird baths.

Doctors say that only one-third of those who contract diseases such as West Nile heal in about a year. Another third live with the symptoms for the rest of their lives.