First West Nile death

Mosquitoes from Lucas County have tested positive for West Nile virus, but so far this season no human cases have been reported in the area.

The West Nile virus risk level has been raised to moderate in 12 communities, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health said Thursday.

Ohio’s rainy summer has left behind more standing water, the ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes – a carrier of West Nile and the primary way people become infected. The virus is primarily transmitted by infected mosquitoes. Less than 1 percent of those people develop a serious, sometimes deadly, neurological illness, as said by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The patients include a 77-year-old man who had encephalitis and a 34-year-old man who had a febrile illness, or fever.

Stay indoors if possible during dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are feeding.

A horse in Washington County has also tested positive for West Nile.

There are no medications to treat or vaccines to prevent West Nile virus infection.

Illness from West Nile virus is usually mild and includes fever, head and body aches, and possibly a rash.

In 2014, Pennsylvania had 13 human cases of the virus, one resulting in death. “This is a good warning for all of us to take protective measures, including wearing insect repellent and reducing mosquito habitat around our homes”.

Consider using mosquito repellent when it is necessary to be outdoors, particularly during evening activities, e.g., fishing.

Kent County Health Department employees have been testing mosquitoes from 11 traps placed throughout the county since June. Wear shoes, socks, long trousers, and long sleeves. Please follow instructions on product label.

Dump or drain standing water on your property because that is where mosquitoes develop.