Greene County Public Health Reports Two Additional Positive Tests for West Nile Virus in Mosquitoes

Greene County Public Health received notice from the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) that West Nile Virus was detected in two more mosquito samples sent to ODH. The positive result came from two pools of mosquitoes tested in a north Fairborn neighborhood between North Broad Street and Sandhill Road. Greene County Public Health has been monitoring adult mosquitoes in the surrounding communities. Jeff Webb, Director of Environmental Health Services, stated that, “On Friday, October 5, 2018, after receiving that report, the neighborhood between North Broad Street and Sandhill Road was treated with adulticide to try and reduce the adult mosquito population”. 

West Nile virus (WNV) is a virus most commonly spread by infected mosquitoes that can lead to severe fever, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord). The primary carrier in Ohio is the northern house mosquito, Culex pipiens. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds. Infected mosquitoes can then spread the virus to humans and other animals when they bite.

Mosquitoes have been collected using gravid mosquito traps, and then sent to ODH for identification and testing. Information on the total number, the type, and the sex of mosquito (only females spread the virus) have been collected.

Greene County Public Health Commissioner Melissa Howell reminds everyone to be aware of their exposure to mosquitoes and to protect themselves by:
1. Eliminating standing pools of water, such as birdbaths, gutters, old tires, unused pools, boats and buckets, particularly after the great amount of rain as of late. 2. Avoid shaded areas where mosquitoes may be resting. 3. Limit outdoor activity during evening hours. 4. Wear protective clothing such as light-colored, long-sleeved shirts and pants. 5. Use insect repellents (those containing DEET can be very effective; follow manufacturers’ usage recommendations).


Public Health officials continue to monitor for mosquitoes by checking for standing water, applying larvacide, trapping and testing mosquitoes, and spraying adulticide if indicated. The cooler temperatures coming later this week may indicate that the mosquito season may be nearing its end. Staff traps and sends pools of mosquitoes to ODH for testing typically through the end of October.

For more information about mosquito control or to contact Environmental Health Services, call (937) 374-5607.
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