CONNEAUT – The Ohio Department of Health has notified the City of Conneaut Health Department that three of the four mosquito pools collected within the community tested positive for West Nile virus.
The positive samples were collected on Tuesday, Aug. 18, from gravid mosquito traps, and the mosquito species identified as Culex, the primary carrier of West Nile in Ohio. One of the positive samples was a pool of Aedes triseriatus mosquito species. While this species does not transmit West Nile virus to humans, the positive result indicates viral activity in the area.
The remaining mosquito samples from this collection tested negative.
“The detection serves as a reminder that West Nile virus is present in the area and that residents should take precautions to reduce mosquito bites and eliminate mosquito breeding sites around their homes,” Conneaut Health Commissioner Nichele Blood said in a press release.
At this time, no human cases associated with these mosquito pools have been reported.
The Conneaut City Health Department encourages residents to use EPA-registered insect repellents when outdoors; wear long sleeves and pants during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active; remove standing water from containers such as flowerpots, buckets, birdbaths, gutters and discarded tires; and ensure window and door screens are in good repair.
“If you are in need of EPA-registered insect repellent or window/door screen repair kits, please stop into our office to get yours today,” Blood said. “The items provided by the Ohio EPA mosquito control grant.”
Most people infected with WNV do not develop symptoms. However, some individuals may experience fever, headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. In rare cases, severe illness affecting the nervous system can occur.
“The Conneaut City Health Department will continue routine mosquito surveillance and work closely with ODH to monitor mosquito activity throughout the season,” Blood said.
For more information about WNV and mosquito prevention, visit the ODH and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) websites.
