Breaking news, 3 human cases of West Nile Virus Reported in Columbus.
Three positive samples of the West Nile virus have been confirmed in Warren County.
The Warren County Combined Health District said in a release the confirmed samples were collected in early August at one location in Deerfield Twp.
The health district said it proactively treats standing water in public areas with an environmentally safe larvicide and by trapping mosquitoes and having them tested by the Ohio Department of Health for the presence of West Nile virus.
West Nile virus can cause potentially serious illness and is present in many counties in Ohio, including Greene and Hamilton counties.
The public can minimize the number of mosquitoes and reduce their risk of being bitten by following the tips below:
- Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens.
- Repair or replace all torn screens in your home.
- Remove all discarded tires from your property.
- Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar water-holding containers.
- Make sure roof gutters drain properly. Clean clogged gutters in the spring and fall.
- Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs. Keep empty and covered when not in use.
- Drain water from pool covers.
- Change the water in bird baths at least once a week.
- Turn over plastic wading pools, and wheelbarrows, etc. when not in use.
- Clean ditches of obstructions so they drain properly.
- Eliminate any standing water that collects on your property.
- Check trees for cavities that hold water and fill them with soil, gravel, or sand.
- Remind or help neighbors to eliminate breeding sites on their properties.
- Use insect repellent containing DEET at a concentration of at least 30% and follow the label directions.
