Clark County reports 2 cases of human West Nile virus

SPRINGFIELD, OH (WDTN) – The Ohio Department of Health has recorded the first and second human cases of West Nile Virus (WNV) in Clark County this season.

Clark County Health Authorities say that in the past five years, only one positive human case of WNV has been recorded in Clark County. As of September 10, there were 18 cases of total human VNO in the state of Ohio.

WNV is most commonly transmitted by infected mosquitoes and can lead to high fever, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord).

The main species in Ohio is the domestic mosquito, Culex pipiens. Mosquitoes are infected when they feed on infected birds. Infected mosquitoes can then transmit the virus to humans and other animals when they bite.

About 80% of people infected with WNV will not have any symptoms, but it is impossible to know in advance if you will develop an illness or not. Those who develop symptoms usually do so between three and 14 days after being bitten by the infected mosquito, such as:

• Serious symptoms in some people. About one in every 150 WN infected persons will develop a serious illness. Severe symptoms may include high fever, headache, stiff neck, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness, and paralysis. These symptoms may last for several weeks and the neurological effects may be permanent.
• Less serious symptoms in some people. Up to 20% of those infected will experience symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes swollen lymph nodes or rash on the chest, l '. stomach and back. The symptoms can last from a few days to several weeks.
• The CCCHD has sent an alert to the local medical community to facilitate a faster diagnosis of West Nile virus.

There is no specific treatment for WNV infection, and care is based on symptoms.

Health officials say the best way to avoid infection with West Nile virus is to prevent mosquito bites: AVOID, PLAN, STOP

TO AVOID:

• Apply repellents to exposed skin registered with the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
• Wear long sleeves and pants or consider staying indoors as much as possible.

PLAN:

• If you are traveling, check in advance for travel notices and plan accordingly.
• Make sure EPA approved pants and buggies are available to prevent bites.
• Do outdoor activities when mosquito activity is less.

STOP:

• Get rid of mosquito breeding sites by emptying or treating any stagnant water on your property (even small amounts of stagnant water may be breeding grounds for mosquitoes).
• Make sure window and door screens are not punctured or torn. You can also choose to use air conditioning rather than open windows if possible.

In response to the confirmed human case of West Nile virus, the CCCHD is:

• Inspect affected area and work with landowners to reduce breeding sources by draining stagnant water or treating standing water with products containing Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti). Bti is safe for humans and pets.
• Distribute information leaflets in the affected area.
• Treat the affected area with Duet® to reduce the adult mosquito population when weather permits. While safe for humans and pets, residents concerned about the treatment may request limited treatment near their property by calling 937-390-5600 or sending an email to the address @ environment @ ccchd.com.
• Continue to monitor the West Nile virus.

For more information, contact the CCCHD at 937-390-5600 or visit our website at www.ccchd.com.