Ohio is experiencing a rise in mosquitoes this summer due to heavy rains. Mosquito
pools from five local health jurisdictions across the state have tested positive thus far for the West Nile
virus (WNV): Columbus , Franklin County , Richland County , Summit County and Licking
County.
To date, no human cases of West Nile virus have been reported. In 2014, Ohio had 11 confirmed cases of West Nile virus in people.
The primary way people get the West Nile virus is when someone is bitten by an infected mosquito.
Most people infected with WNV will have no symptoms. About one in five people who are infected with WNV
will develop a fever with other symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea
or rash.
Less than 1 percent of infected people develop a serious neurologic illness, such as encephalitis or
meningitis (inflammation of the brain or surrounding tissues).
Rains have caused standing water in many areas of Ohio, and mosquitoes breed and multiply in such
water. Floodwater species such as Aedes vexans can become extremely abundant under such
conditions.
“These positive tests in mosquitoes for West Nile virus are a good reminder that arbovirus season is
underway and individuals should take precautions – use insect repellents, limit exposure when
mosquitoes are active, and remove breeding sources – to protect themselves and their families from
mosquito bites,” said ODH Medical Director Mary DiOrio, M.D. “There is more mosquito activity now
than we’ve seen at this time of year for several years – but still much lower than in our WNV outbreak
years of 2002 and 2012.”
Here are some tips to avoid possible infection from mosquito bites:
o Wear EPA-registered mosquito repellents whenever mosquitoes are present and follow
label instructions.
o Wear long, loose, light-colored clothing.
o Install or repair screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes outside.
Here are some tips to help reduce mosquito breeding around your home:
o Remove temporary pools of water around your house and yard. Include clearing debris
from ditches, cutting small channels to help pooling water drain, or filling in holes and
tire ruts with dirt.
o Keep children’s wading pools empty and on their sides when they aren’t being used.
o Empty standing water from flowerpots, gutters, buckets, pool covers, pet water dishes,
discarded tires, and birdbaths.
Learn more about mosquitoes and the West Nile Virus on the ODH website at; www.odh.ohio.gov/wnv
