The staff set up traps to collect mosquitoes for surveillance.
Ohio Department of Health
Even though the school year starts soon for local students, there are a few more months of warm weather ahead for Ohioans.
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“That means that mosquitoes and ticks will continue to be active and both can carry potentially serious diseases,” said Bruce Vanderhoff, director of the Ohio Department of Health.
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Ticks can carry Lyme disease, while mosquitoes can carry West Nile and other types of viruses.
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Recently, the Columbiana County Health District announced West Nile virus was detected in a mosquito pool in Center Township.
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Counties testing for West Nile virus
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The Ohio Department of Health partners with local counties to trap and test mosquitoes in each region.
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“The discovery of West Nile virus in mosquitoes this year has attracted some media attention, which is understandable,” said Vanderhoff. “But it’s important to note that, on average, more than 900 pools of mosquitoes each year as positive for West Nile virus in Ohio. Fortunately, relatively few people contract this disease each year and none so far this year.”
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Only 20% of people who are infected with West Nile virus show symptoms, which include body aches, headaches, fever, swollen glands and a rash.
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The Ohio Department of Health website revealed one in 150 people infected with West Nile virus develop severe symptoms that could last a few weeks.
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“Being aware of when and where ticks and mosquitoes are active, as well as taking some simple precautions really can help all of us stay safe and have good health throughout the rest of the summer,” said Vanderhoff.
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The ODH website says: “It can take anywhere from two to 14 days from when the mosquito bite occurs to when symptoms of West Nile virus disease appear.”
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Learn more about West Nile virus and mosquito season in Ohio on the Mahoning County Public Health website.
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This story was first published August 20, 2023 at 6:00 AM.