Mosquito Pool tests positive for West Nile virus

A mosquito pool collected from Seneca County has tested positive for West Nile virus.

The mosquitos were collected July 10 at the Clary-Boulee-McDonald Nature Preserve just outside of

Bettsville, and sent to Ohio Department of Health to test for potential disease as part of the Mosquito Control Grant Program. The positive test results were provided to Seneca County General Health District today.

According to ODH, Ohio is currently trending just slightly above its 10-year average for West Nile virus, and its normal to see the mosquito West Nile virus infection rate increase in mid to late July.

These mosquitoes can become positive for West Nile virus when biting local wildlife, such as birds or rodents. So far this year, there have been no human cases of West Nile virus in Seneca County or in Ohio. Symptoms of West Nile virus include fever, fatigue, headache and neck stiffness.

“We expected to find some mosquitos with West Nile virus, as Ohio both historically and presently hosts the virus in wildlife,” said Corbin Hite, vector control technician at Seneca County General Health District.

“It remains important to avoid mosquito bites to prevent possible contraction of the disease.”

To avoid mosquito bites, wear 20 to 30 percent DEET insect repellant, long and loose-fitting clothing, and try to avoid the outdoors during peak biting times, which is dusk until dawn.