Public health officials urge people to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites and the diseases they may carry.
There have been no human cases in Butler County, BCGHD officials said.
“While the public does not need to panic, now is a good time to focus on prevention,” said Jennifer Bailer, Health Commissioner for Butler County.
“Help the county eliminate sources of standing water on your property to prevent mosquito eggs from hatching and developing into biting adults that spread the disease.”
West Nile virus is a disease that affects the central nervous system. It can be passed from mosquitoes to humans. Symptoms of West Nile virus include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, rash and body aches.
The BCGHD, which monitors mosquitoes in the county, said those who are experiencing any of these symptoms should contact their healthcare provider or go to an urgent care facility.
“It’s not unusual to have positive mosquitoes as the summer progresses,” said Carrie Yeager, BCGHD’s environmental health director. “As the summer heat fades, the number of mosquitoes testing positive decreases.”
Surrounding counties also have identified positive mosquito pools including Clermont and Hamilton County. Last year the Ohio Department of Health reported 65 cases of West Nile virus in humans, including six deaths.
“Taking simple precautions like using bug spray can prevent potentially serious diseases caused by the bite
of infected mosquito,” said Lori Landis, BCGHD’s nursing director.
Those precautions include:
• Drain standing water
• Change the water in the birdbaths and wading pools daily
• Maintain window screens
• Use EPA-registered insect repellents
• Report abnormal dead bird sightings to BCGHD by calling 513-863-1770, as West Nile virus has been detected in a variety of bird species, especially crows and jays.
• Take advantage of the free “dunks” that BCGHD provides to residents. Dunks kill mosquito larvae, but are harmless to birds, fish, wildlife, and pets. For more information call 513-863-1770.
To learn more about West Nile virus and mosquito prevention visit health.bcohio.us and www.ohio.gov/mosquitos.
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