CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — Health officials have confirmed that the first group of mosquitoes testing positive for the West Nile Virus (WNV) in Ross County has been identified. The group was located in Scioto Township, according to an announcement by Kelly Spindler, the Ross County Health District’s Director of Environmental Health, and Health Commissioner Janelle McManis.
The Ohio Department of Health, which confirmed the presence of the virus, will collaborate with local health authorities to establish additional surveillance sites throughout the county as a precautionary measure. As of now, no human cases of WNV have been reported in Ross County.
The Ross County Health District is urging residents to adopt preventive measures to minimize their exposure to mosquito bites. The suggested measures include eliminating standing water around the home, dressing in long pants and long sleeves whenever possible, and using insect repellents containing Picaridin, DEET, oil of lemon eucalyptus (or PMD), or IR3535. These ingredients are recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for effective mosquito deterrence.
West Nile Virus is a mosquito-borne disease that is primarily spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. The type of mosquito that spreads WNV is prevalent throughout Ross County. The CDC reports that while 80% of infected individuals do not show symptoms, about one in five people will develop symptoms including fever, headache, body aches, nausea, and skin rash. In rare cases, approximately one in 150 infected individuals may suffer severe symptoms such as convulsions, muscle weakness, neck stiffness, and potentially coma, paralysis, or death. The elderly and those with chronic health conditions are at a higher risk of developing severe illness.
There is no specific treatment or vaccine for West Nile virus, further emphasizing the importance of prevention. Health authorities remind residents that while not every mosquito carries WNV, proactive steps can significantly reduce the risk of exposure.
Since its initial detection in the United States in 1999, West Nile Virus has proven a public health concern across the country. As summer temperatures rise, and mosquitoes become more active, vigilance in prevention is key to managing the spread of this potentially harmful disease.