TOLEDO -- The Toledo-Lucas County Health Department has made some grim discoveries in the past two weeks--five mosquito pools were identified as being positive for West Nile Virus from sampling done by Toledo Area Sanitary District.
To date, there have been 52 positive pools in the state. West Nile is a mosquito-borne virus that is typically spread through the bite of an infected mosquito and can affect people, horses, birds and some other animals.
With warmer weather comes more active mosquitoes, and the health department is urging citizens to take protective measures to eliminate mosquito breeding sites around their properties:
● Protect yourself from mosquito bites by applying insect repellent sparingly to exposed skin. Remember that the more DEET a repellent contains the longer time it can protect individuals from mosquito bites. DEET concentrations higher than 50% do not increase the length of protection.
● Spray clothing with repellents containing pyrethrum or DEET since mosquitoes may bite through thin clothing. Do not apply repellents containing pyrethrum directly to exposed skin. If clothing is sprayed, repellent containing DEET should not be sprayed on the skin underneath the clothing.
● When possible, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors.
● Place mosquito netting over infant carriers when outdoors.
● Consider staying indoors at dawn, dusk and in the early evening, which are peak mosquito biting times.
● Install or repair window and door screens so that mosquitoes cannot get indoors.
● Help reduce the number of mosquitoes in areas outdoors where you work or play by draining sources of standing water. This reduces the number of places mosquitoes can lay their eggs and breed.
● At least once or twice a week, empty water from flower pots, pet food and water dishes, birdbaths, swimming pool covers, buckets, barrels, and cans.
● Check for clogged rain gutters and clean them out.
● Remove discarded tires and other items that could collect water.
Most people who are infected with West Nile will not have any signs of illness. Less than one percent of mosquitoes carry the virus and less than one percent of people bitten by an infected mosquito will become severely ill. Symptoms include: high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis.
The Toledo-Lucas County Health Department and the Toledo Area Sanitary District (TASD) work together to provide surveillance, abatement, prevention and education services regarding West Nile Virus.
The Toledo Area Sanitary District provides abatement for mosquitoes and also monitors mosquito populations. You can contact the Toledo Area Sanitary District at (419) 726-7891.
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