Health officials in Lake County have detected the presence of West Nile Virus (WNV) during the collection of mosquitoes at a trap site in Willoughby.
The mosquitoes were collected on July 30. The Lake County General Health District believes that positive West Nile Virus mosquitoes are present throughout the county and will likely increase for the rest of the summer.
So far, eight Ohio counties have reported positive mosquito tests for West Nile Virus in 2019. There have been no human cases of WNV reported as of yet.
The Lake County General Health District has shared a list of tips for homeowners to reduce their risk of getting WNV:
- Dispose of tin cans, old tires, buckets, unused plastic swimming pools, plastic covers or other containers that collect and hold water.
- Keep roof gutters unclogged. Clean gutters in the spring and fall.
- Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas, and hot tubs. Keep them covered when empty.
- Empty and change the water in bird baths, fountains, wading pools, rain barrels, and potted trays at least once a week, if not more often.
- Check for water in children’s toys
- Fill or drain puddles, ditches, and swampy areas and either remove, drain, or fill tree holes and stumps with mortar.
- Contact the health department with concerns regarding malfunctioning septic systems.
- Eliminate standing water around animal watering troughs.
- Irrigate lawns and gardens carefully to prevent water from standing for several days.
- Avoid being outside from dusk until dawn when mosquitoes are most active. If you cannot avoid those times, use an insect repellent.
- Use an insect repellent containing Picaridin or DEET. Use repellents according to label instructions. Take special care when using insect repellents on children. Wash treated skin and clothing after returning indoors.
- Wear long sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks if you go outside when mosquitoes are most active (from dusk until dawn).
- Make sure window and door screens are “bug tight”. Repair or replace torn screens.
Click here for more information on Lake County's mosquito spraying program. You can also call the LCGHD at (440) 350-2088 with questions about WNV or mosquito control.
