(Tuscarawas, Ohio) – The Tuscarawas County Health Department confirms West Nile Virus activity in Tuscarawas County.

Health Department officials note they have been conducting trapping for the culex species of mosquito throughout the summer in Tuscarawas County.  TCHD was notified on Tuesday, August 7, 2018 that two pool of mosquitos tested positive for the W. Nile Virus.  The locations of the traps that collected the positive pools are as followed:

Sharon Moravian Church in the Village of Tuscarawas

Tuscarawas Community Memorial Park in the Village of Tuscarawas

The Health Department will be responding to the positive pools according to the Center for Disease Control Guidelines.  Spraying within a two-mile radius of the location of the positive pools will occur on more than one occasion. Further, spraying throughout Warwick Township will also take place.  Spraying will occur beginning on Monday, August 13.  In the case of rain, high winds or cold temperatures spraying will be postponed. Persons with respiratory problems should take appropriate actions to remain indoors while spraying is occurring.

Residents are encouraged to follow the following 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.