Hamilton County Public Health is sharing with residents that West Nile virus has just been detected in mosquitoes in Hamilton County for the first time this year.
As part of a standing operating procedure, HCPH routinely traps mosquitoes throughout the county and sends them to the Ohio Department of Health’s Zoonotic Disease Laboratory for evaluation for West Nile virus. ODH has indicated that one of HCPH’s pools of mosquitoes has been confirmed as being positive for West Nile virus. The virus was found in mosquitoes only; at this time, there is no confirmed or probable human infection.
“Mosquitoes can transmit West Nile virus and other diseases through their bites, so it’s important to protect yourself both at home and when travelling,” says Jeremy Hessel, director of environmental health at Hamilton County Public Health. “Around Hamilton County homes, the best thing residents can do is to get rid of standing water, which mosquitoes use as their breeding ground.”
Review HCPH’s fact sheets to learn more about removing mosquito-breeding sites or traveling to mosquito-rich areas.
Preventing Mosquito-borne Disease at Home
As he’d shared earlier this year, Hessel says that property owners should remember the phrase “Drain, dunk and protect” to help reduce the number of mosquitoes hanging around.
Drain: Eliminate standing water that collects in pools, birdbaths, toys and playsets, open containers, wheelbarrows, old tires, gutters and other vessels.
Dunk: Buy larvicide or “dunks” to kill mosquito larvae in standing water that cannot be drained.
Protect: Avoid being outdoors during peak mosquito times (dusk and dawn), especially in humid or wooded spaces. Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing, and apply mosquito repellants to your skin according to product instructions.
Preventing Mosquito-borne Disease When Traveling
Hessel also says that individuals who plan to travel internationally should take additional precautions against mosquitoes.
Review international travel warnings: The CDC’s “Travelers’ Health” webpage features important health notices and provides geographically relevant information on mosquito-borne diseases and other health concerns.
Speak with your healthcare provider: Ask about recommended or required vaccines for international travel.
Be prepared: When heading to an area with an elevated risk for mosquito-borne diseases, bring EPA-registered mosquito repellents, protective clothing and mosquito netting.
