First Mosquitoes Positive for West Nile Virus -- 7.7.2014
COLUMBUS PUBLIC HEALTH – Press Release
For Tuesday, July 8
Contact: Jose Rodriguez (614) 645-6928 [email protected]Columbus Public Health Confirms First Mosquitoes Positive for West Nile Virus
Commissioner Urges Residents to Practice Prevention
Columbus Public Health (CPH) Commissioner Dr. Teresa C. Long, today confirmed that two pools (groups) of mosquitoes collected by CPH, have tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). These are the first reported pools positive for WNV found in the city of Columbus limits this season.
The positive tests were collected in South Columbus between Alum Creek Drive and Three Creeks Metro Park, south of Watkins Road and north of Williams Road. A second group was collected in South Columbus between Hamilton Road and Courtright Road, south of I-70 and north of Kimberly Parkway.
As a result of these results, CPH will be spraying the areas affected this coming Wednesday, July 9, to help control disease in the region.
Visit our online map which outlines the designated spraying areas:
- Southeast Columbus: (North Boundary – Watkins Rd., East Boundary – Alum Creek, South Boundary – Williams Rd., West Boundary – New World Dr.)
- Southeast Columbus: (North Boundary – I-70, East Boundary – Hamilton Rd., South Boundary – Kimberly Pkwy, West Boundary – Courtright Rd.)
"These positive results are a reminder of the importance of taking precautions to protect ourselves from mosquito exposure," Dr. Long said.
"Residents can protect themselves by using insect repellant, wearing protective clothing at dawn or dusk, repairing window screens, and eliminating standing water where mosquitoes lay eggs such as bird baths and baby pools.”
To avoid possible infection from mosquito bites: Avoid outdoor activities between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active; if you must be outdoors, be sure to wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts, shoes and socks. Light colors are least attractive to mosquitoes. Use insect repellent and follow the label directions.
To eliminate mosquito breeding sites near your home: Remove all discarded tires and other water-holding containers, such as tin cans and unused flower pots, from your property. Eliminate standing water from your property. Make sure all roof gutters are clean and properly draining. Clean and chlorinate pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs. Keep them empty when not in use and drain water from pool covers. Change water in bird baths weekly.
For more information on WNV, as well as weekly fogging schedules, visit our Web site at www.publichealth.columbus.gov or visit us on Facebook / Twitter / YouTube.
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