Mosquito pool in Willoughby confirms some carry West Nile virus

Lake County has its first West Nile virus positive mosquito pool of the season.

The Lake County General Health District confirmed one positive pool at a trap site in Willoughby.

A “pool” is a collection of no more than 50 mosquitoes according to the health district.

The West Nile virus positive pool was collected July 30, and the health district stated it is likely that West Nile positive mosquitoes are present throughout the county.

“Identifying a positive pool is confirmation that the WNV threat is present and will likely increase for the rest of the summer,” the health district stated in a news release.

As of Aug. 20, mosquitoes that tested positive for the virus have

been reported in eight Ohio counties this season. There have been no reported West Nile cases in humans to date this season.

West Nile virus has been native to Lake County and Ohio since 2001, according to the health district, which added it will continue to be a long-term public health threat. The health district offers the following tips to homeowners to reduce the risk of getting the virus:

• Dispose of tin cans, old tires, buckets, unused plastic swimming pools, plastic covers or other containers that collect and hold water.

• Keep roof gutters unclogged. Clean gutters in the spring and fall.

• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas, and hot tubs. Keep them covered when empty.

• Empty and change the water in bird baths, fountains, wading pools, rain barrels, and potted trays at least once a week, if not more often.

• Check for water in children’s toys

• Fill or drain puddles, ditches, and swampy areas and either remove, drain or fill tree holes and stumps with mortar.

• Contact the health department with concerns regarding malfunctioning septic systems.

• Eliminate standing water around animal watering troughs.

• Irrigate lawns and gardens carefully to prevent water from standing for several days.

• Avoid being outside from dusk until dawn when mosquitoes are most active. If you cannot avoid those times, use an insect repellent.

• Use an insect repellent containing Picaridin or DEET. Use repellents according to label instructions. Take special care when using insect repellents on children. Wash treated skin and clothing after returning indoors.

• Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks if you go outside when mosquitoes are most active

(from dusk until dawn).

• Make sure window and door screens are “bug tight.” Repair or replace torn screens.

The Lake County General Health District Mosquito Control program tracks the mosquito population, monitors disease levels in the mosquitoes, applies larvicides, and conducts nighttime adulticiding.

The mosquito population is monitored through the use of specialized traps placed throughout the county and calls from the public. The trapped mosquitoes are counted and sent to the Ohio Department of Health for West Nile virus testing.

The program employs three full-time crews that inspect areas of standing water for mosquito larva and, if needed, treat the area to kill the larva. The adulticide program consists of spraying areas of the county in the evening when the mosquitoes are active.

Information about the spray routes and schedule are available at: www. lcghd.org/ and clicking on the Mosquito tab, or by calling 440-350-2088. Those with questions regarding mosquito control and WNV are asked to contact the health district at 440-350-2543.