News Release – 09/16/2021
7 Pools of Mosquitoes Test Positive for West Nile Virus in Tuscarawas County
DOVER— The Tuscarawas County Health Department (TCHD) has been conducting trapping for the culex species of mosquito throughout the summer in Tuscarawas County. To date the Health Department has trapped and submitted 15,450 mosquitoes to the Ohio Department of Health for testing. TCHD was notified on September 16, 2021, that 7 pools of mosquitoes in 5 different locations had tested positive for the West Nile Virus (WNV).
The locations of the positive pools are as follows:
– Beaver Street in Newcomerstown
– School Street in Tuscarawas
– Ragersville Road in Sugarcreek (Auburn Township), 3 positive
pools
– Sherman Street in Dennison
– Jewett Avenue in Dennison
The Health Department will be responding to the positive pools according to Centers for Disease Control Guidelines. “We don’t want anyone in our community to panic,” explained Caroline Terakedis, TCHD Environmental Health Director. “We issue this notice to let residents know that West Nile Virus infected mosquitoes are active in the area and to share steps you can take to help prevent exposure.”
Below is the current mosquito spraying schedule:
-Monday, September 20: Dennison and Mill Township
-Tuesday, September 21: Uhrichsville and Tuscarawas, Warwick
Township
-Wednesday, September 22: Ragersville and Auburn Township
-Thursday, September 23: Newcomerstown
-Monday, September 27: Bolivar
-Tuesday, September 28: Warren Township
-Wednesday, September 29: Dover
-Thursday, September 30: Strasburg
**The above list replaces the previous spraying schedule which was released by the Health Department on September 15, 2021.**
In the case of rain, high winds, or cold temperatures, spraying will be postponed. Persons with respiratory problems should take appropriate actions to remain indoors while spraying takes place.
West Nile virus (WNV) is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the continental United States. It is most commonly spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito. Cases of WNV occur during mosquito season, which starts in the summer and continues through fall. There are no vaccines to prevent or medications to treat WNV in people. Fortunately, most people infected with WNV do not feel sick. About 1 in 5 people who are infected develop a fever and other symptoms.
Symptoms of West Nile Virus:
-Most people (8 out of 10) infected with WNV do not develop any
symptoms.
-About 1 in 5 people who are infected with WNV will develop a
fever (febrile illness) with other symptoms such as headache, body
aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. Most people with
febrile illness due to West Nile virus recover completely, but fatigue and weakness can last for weeks or months.
Prevention:
Residents are encouraged to follow these recommendations from the Ohio Department of Health to avoid mosquito bites: use insect repellent when you go outdoors; when weather permits, wear long sleeves, long pants, and socks when outdoors. Mosquitoes may bite through thin clothing, so spraying clothes with repellent will provide extra protection. Take extra care during peak mosquito biting hours and take extra care to use repellent and protective clothing from dusk to dawn or consider avoiding outdoor activities during these times. Ways to mosquito proof your home: install or repair screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes outside; use your air conditioning, if you have it; and help reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home by emptying standing water from flowerpots, gutters, buckets, pool covers, pet water dishes, discarded tires, and birdbaths on a regular basis
Taking these steps will help protect against mosquito-borne diseases, including WNV, La Crosse Virus, and Zika Virus.
For information on mosquito control activities or for up-to-date mosquito-borne disease information, please visit us at www.tchdnow.org or call 330.343.5550.