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COLUMBUS, Ohio – The state reported the first human case of the West Nile virus of Ohio this year.
Ohio's Department of Health said Monday that a 71-year-old Lake County man had to be hospitalized. Cincinnati, the city's health department reported earlier this month that a pool in the North Avondale neighborhood has been tested positive for West Nile virus.
Sietske de Fijter, Epidemiologist and Head of the Department of Infectious Diseases, Department. mosquitoes are the highest that Ohio has known at the beginning of the season since 2012, when 122 human cases were reported.
Most people get the virus from infected mosquito bites. Mosquito-borne diseases in Ohio occur most often from May to October.
Health authorities report that 20 counties in Ohio have reported West Nile virus activity in mosquitoes tested throughout the state. There were 34 human cases of West Nile virus, including five deaths, reported in Ohio last year.
About 70 to 80 percent of people will not get sick if they are bitten by an infected mosquito. Symptoms of West Nile virus may include fever, headache, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting and sometimes swollen lymph nodes or rash on the chest, stomach and back. The symptoms can last as little as a few days, even though healthy people have been sick for several weeks.
Some of the most important steps you can take to protect yourself from mosquito-borne diseases are: stagnant water in your neighborhood to prevent them from breeding or gathering.
Mosquitoes breed in stagnant waters, regularly dumping wading pools, buckets, bird baths and pet bowls on the outside
Tips:
- Use mosquito nets in areas of stagnant water that you can not drain. The "dunks" kill mosquito larvae in the water but are harmless to people and pets
- Mowing trimmed lawns and shrubs
- Ensuring mosquito nets and windows doors are well adjusted. Wear long sleeves and pants during mosquito rush hours, around dawn and dusk.
- Use an insect repellent such as those containing DEET, picaridine or lemon or eucalyptus oil
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