HARRISON COUNTY, Ohio – Test results sent by the Harrison County Department of Health and returned by the Ohio Department of Health have detected West Nile virus in mosquito pools in the New Rumley and Jewett areas.
Harrison County health officials say they will provide residents with “mosquito dunks.” The tablets are placed in standing water and unleash a bacteria to kill mosquitos, but are harmless to people, pets, and wildlife.
Officials in Ohio are warning of the highest West Nile activity the state has seen in over a decade. The virus was also detected in Wyandot County.
West Nile virus symptoms can include fever, headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash, while severe cases may cause inflammation of the brain or spinal cord. There is no specific treatment, so care focuses on relieving symptoms, with hospitalization, IV fluids, and pain management for serious illness.
While most cases are mild or asymptomatic, serious illness requiring hospitalization occurs in a small proportion. Among these severe cases, particularly in older adults or individuals with weakened immune systems, the risk of death can reach up to 15%
Protect yourself by from mosquito bites by using repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants, and eliminating standing water near your home.
West Nile virus because it was first identified in 1937 in the West Nile district of Uganda. In 1999, it was first detected in the U.S. in New York City and has spread.
