(Dennison, Ohio) – The Tuscarawas County Health Department is announcing four additional pools of mosquitoes testing positive for West Nile Virus.
Health Department officials explain that they have been conducting trapping for the Culex species of mosquito throughout the summer across the county. On Monday, July 16th they were notified that four additional pools have tested positive for the illness. The pools were reportedly obtained from 2 locations on the same day, McClusky Park in Dennison and Thornwood Park on Jewett Road in Dennison.
“The Health Department will respond to the positive pools according to Center for Disease Control Guidelines,” officials note in a press release. “Spraying within a two-mile radius of the location of the positive pool will occur on more than one occasion beginning on Thursday, July 19th.”
Officials add it is important to note that spraying has already occurred in these locations due to high trap counts last week. In the case of rain, high winds or cold temperatures spraying will be postponed.
Additionally, individuals with respiratory problems should take appropriate actions to remain indoors while spraying takes place.
Earlier this month the Health Department was also notified of a positive West Nile pool in Warren Township and officials note spraying has already occurred there.
Information on bug bite prevention and treatment can be found in a recent article on Newsymom.com.
Residents are encouraged to follow these guidelines from the Ohio Department of Health:
Avoid mosquito bites. It is import to prioritize personal protection to prevent mosquito bites.
- Wear EPA-registered mosquito repellents whenever mosquitoes are present and follow label instructions.
- Wear long, loose, light-colored clothing.
- Install or repair screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes outside.
Help reduce mosquito breeding around your home. Get rid of potential mosquito breeding sites to help prevent mosquito-borne diseases.
- Empty standing water from flowerpots, gutters, buckets, pool covers, pet water dishes, discarded tires, and birdbaths.
- Consider using products containing Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti), available at many garden and home improvement stores, to control mosquito larvae in containers that are too large to empty. Follow the label instructions.
Have all horses vaccinated against WNV. All horse owners should vaccinate their animals against West Nile Virus. Contact your vet to find out more information on this important vaccine.
Taking these steps will help protect against mosquito-borne diseases, including West Nile Virus and Zika Virus.
For information on mosquitos control activities or for up-to-date mosquito-borne disease information, please visit us at www.tchdnow.org or call 330.343.5550.
