West Nile Virus Detected in Seneca County Mosquito Pool

A mosquito pool in Seneca County, Ohio has tested positive for West Nile virus, collected from the Clary-Boulee-McDonald Nature Preserve. The Mosquito Control Grant Program sent the samples to the Ohio Department of Health for testing, revealing the presence of the virus. Despite the positive result, no human cases have been reported in the county or statewide. The virus is common in Ohio wildlife, and the county's vector control technician advises residents to protect themselves against mosquito bites with insect repellant and appropriate clothing.

The recent discovery of West Nile virus (WNV) in a mosquito pool in Seneca County, Ohio, serves as a reminder of the importance of taking precautions against mosquito-borne illnesses. According to a report from the Advertiser-Tribune [1], the Ohio Department of Health confirmed the presence of WNV in samples collected from the Clary-Boulee-McDonald Nature Preserve. Despite the positive result, no human cases have been reported in the county or statewide [1].

The detection of WNV in local mosquitoes is not an uncommon occurrence in Ohio. In fact, the virus is prevalent in the state's wildlife population [2]. However, the discovery of WNV in mosquitoes highlights the need for increased vigilance and proactive measures to protect residents from potential exposure.

The Seneca County General Health District is taking steps to identify and test local mosquito populations for potential disease. The health district will be placing mosquito traps throughout the county, including in the cities of Tiffin and Fostoria and several townships [2]. The traps will be set and collected by a vector control technician, who will freeze and ship the mosquitoes to the Ohio Department of Health for testing. The data collected will be used to understand and reduce the risks of mosquito-borne diseases [2].

Residents are urged to take precautions against mosquito bites to protect themselves from potential infection. The health department advises using insect repellant and wearing appropriate clothing to minimize exposure to mosquitoes [2]. It is also important to eliminate standing water around homes, as this can serve as a breeding ground for mosquitoes [2].

If you wish to give permission for mosquito traps to be placed on your property, please contact the vector control technician at vectorcontroltech@senecahealthdept.org [2].

References:

[1] "West Nile virus found in Seneca County." The Advertiser-Tribune. https://www.advertiser-tribune.com/news/196904/west-nile-virus-found-in-seneca-county/

[2] "Seneca County Mosquito Surveillance." Seneca County General Health District. https://senecahealthdept.org/seneca-county-mosquito-surveillance/