West Nile Virus Detected In Hamilton County Mosquitoes

Thursday, July 18, 2019 at 7:27 AM

By Mike Perleberg @mikedup84

A pool of mosquitoes in Symmes Township has tested positive for the viral disease.

(Hamilton County, Oh.) - Hamilton County Public Health is asking residents to take precautions against mosquitoes that carry the West Nile Virus.

The health department says a pool of mosquitoes from Symmes Township tested positive for the virus this week. It is the first case confirming the presence of WNV in the tri-state this year.

People are being reminded to clear away areas of standing water and use insect repellants to ward off the bloodsucking pests.

“We can all take action to eliminate mosquito breeding sites and take precautions to avoid mosquito bites,” Tim Ingram, Hamilton County Health Commissioner says. “West Nile was first identified in Ohio in 2001, so it’s not new to our area, but we like to take the opportunity to remind everyone to take precautions.”

WNV can be transmitted to humans by a bite from an infected mosquito. While as many as 80 percent of people who contract WNV show no symptoms, others can develop mild symptoms including fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting, and swollen lymph glands. In less than one percent of cases, usually among people age 50 or older, the symptoms can become serious or fatal.

Learn more about West Nile Virus and preventing its spread at https://www.hamiltoncountyhealth.org/announcements/west-nile-2019/.