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MOSQUITOES & WEST NILE VIRUS

 *2/15/12 - In 2011, the Medina County Health Department treated approximately 6,800 total stormsewer catchbasins and 1,700 miles of road ditches.  To see a map of these applications by month, please click here.

*8/19/11 - La Crosse Encephalitis Case in Wadsworth City (Read more .pdf)

*Mosquitoes were found positive for West Nile Virus in Medina County (Read more .pdf)

 

Facts About West Nile Virus
West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne virus that can cause encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord).
            
Transmission Cycle
West Nile virus is spread to humans, birds, and animals by the bite of an infected mosquito. When a mosquito bites a bird that carries the virus, the mosquito becomes infected.

Many birds can be infected with West Nile virus, but crows and blue jays are most likely to die from the infection.

You will not necessarily become ill if bitten by an infected mosquito since most people who are infected with West Nile virus either have no symptoms or experience mild illness. If illness were to occur, it would occur within 5 to 15 days of being bitten by an infected mosquito. People cannot get West Nile virus directly from another person who has the disease. West Nile virus is not spread by person-to-person contact such as touching, kissing, or caring for someone who is infected.

Mosquitoes
 

The mosquitoes that carry West Nile virus typically lay their eggs in stagnant water and water-holding containers. Weeds, tall grass, and shrubbery provide an outdoor harborage for adult mosquitoes.

You can reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home and neighborhood by eliminating places where they lay their eggs. Here are some simple steps you can take: 

  • Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots, or similar water-holding containers that have accumulated on your property. Don't overlook containers that have become overgrown by vegetation.

  • Clean up any solid waste and scrap tires on your property. Stagnant water in discarded tires is an ideal site for mosquitoes to breed.

  • Turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use.

  • Clean birdbaths weekly.

  • Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers left outdoors and in tires used for swings, barriers, running exercises, etc., so they won't hold water.

  • Clean clogged roof gutters every year. Roof gutters can produce millions of mosquitoes each season.

  • Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish. Water gardens become mosquito producers if they are allowed to stagnate. Clean and chlorinate swimming pools that are not being used. Mosquitoes can even breed in the water that collects on swimming pool and hot tub covers.

  • Use landscaping to eliminate standing water that collects on your property. Mosquitoes will develop in any puddle that last for more than four days.

  • Children's toys and tarps covering wood, cars, boats, and other equipment can also hold water and breed disease-carrying mosquitoes.

The best way to protect yourself is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. Use personal protection while outdoors when mosquitoes are present. To reduce your chances of being bitten by mosquitoes:

  • Wear light colored clothing, long-sleeved shirts or jackets and long slacks.

  • Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in an unscreened structure. Protect small children when outdoors.

  • Avoid mosquito-infested areas or stay indoors when mosquitoes are most active (Many mosquitoes are most active two to three hours before and after dusk and again at dawn when the air is calm. This is the time when the females are most likely to bite. However, some species will feed at any time of the day.)

  • Avoid physical exertion, and use colognes and perfumes sparingly as these may attract mosquitoes.

  • Consider the use of a mosquito repellant, according to directions, that contains DEET (not to exceed 30% for adults and 15% for children) when it is necessary to be outdoors.

  • Put size 16 mesh screens on all doors and windows and keep them in good repair.
 
 

Symptoms in Humans
Mild infections are common and include fever, headache, and body aches, often with skin rash and swollen lymph glands. Headache, high fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, occasional convulsions, and paralysis mark more severe infection. In some individuals, especially the elderly, West Nile virus can cause serious disease that affects brain tissue. At its most serious, it can cause permanent brain damage and can be fatal. Consult your physician for more information.


Dead Birds in Medina County
Report sightings of any dead birds to the Medina County Health Department by calling (330) 723-9523 weekdays between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. We no longer collect or accept dead birds for West Nile virus testing due to budgetary and staffing constraints by the State of Ohio Lab in Columbus.


Dogs, Cats, and Horses
West Nile virus is not considered a major risk to dogs and cats.  Only a few have been reported with the virus. Clinical signs of West Nile virus infection in horses include: listlessness, stumbling, lack of coordination, partial paralysis and death. Horses can be protected by vaccination.



MEDINA COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT
MOSQUITO CONTROL PROGRAM
 

The Health Department conducts a yearly county-wide mosquito control program.  The program includes:  public education on mosquitoes, West Nile virus, and protection measures; surveillance of adult mosquito populations and dead birds; and application of a bacterial larvacide to control mosquito larvae in storm water catch basins, roadside ditches, and other standing water areas.  The Health Department does not conduct spraying for adult mosquitoes.  Local communities that have had past spraying programs may continue to provide this activity.

For more information on mosquitoes and West Nile Virus, contact us or visit the Ohio Department of Health web site.
             

 

 


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2010 Annual Report. Click here.