Warren County reports positive West Nile virus test

West Nile virus was found July 12 in a mosquito pool in Warren County’s Harlan Twp., according to the Warren County Health District.

Since 2015, there have been a total of seven “positive mosquito pools” identified in Warren County, according to the health department.

MORE: Ohio man dies from West Nile virus in 2017

“West Nile virus activity in mosquitoes is the highest Ohio has seen this early in the season since 2012, when 122 human cases were reported,” according to Sietske de Fijter of the Ohio Department of Health’s Bureau of Infectious Diseases.

There has been one report of a person with West Nile virus in Ohio this year, according to the state.

MORE: Ohio reports first West Nile virus case of 2018

West Nile virus can cause potentially serious illness,” according to the state. “The WCHD remains proactive in treating standing water in public areas with an environmentally safe larvicide and by trapping mosquitoes and having them tested by the Ohio Department of Health.”

For more information, visit warrenchd.com or call (513) 695-2475.

MORE: What you need to know about West Nile virus in 2017 


The public can minimize the number of mosquitoes and reduce their risk of being bitten by following the tips below:

* Make sure that doors and windows have tight-fitting screens.

* Repair or replace all torn screens in your home.

* Remove all discarded tires from your property.

* Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots, or similar water-holding containers.

* Make sure roof gutters drain properly. Clean clogged gutters in the spring and fall.

* Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs. Keep empty and covered when not in use.

* Drain water from pool covers.

* Change the water in bird baths at least once a week.

* Turn over plastic wading pools, and wheelbarrows, etc. when not in use.

* Clean ditches of obstructions so they drain properly.

* Eliminate any standing water that collects on your property.

* Check trees for cavities that hold water and fill them with soil, gravel, or sand.

* Remind or help neighbors to eliminate breeding sites on their properties.

* Use insect repellent containing DEET at a concentration of at least 30% and follow the label directions.

SOURCE: The Warren County Health District

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