City of Columbus

First Mosquito Pool Positive for West Nile Virus

Press Release - July 7, 2015                                                                                 

Columbus Public Health Confirms First Mosquito Pool Positive for West Nile Virus 
Health Commissioner Urges Residents to Practice Prevention and Help Eliminate Standing Water 

Columbus Health Commissioner Dr. Teresa C. Long, today confirmed the presence of West Nile Virus (WNV) in a mosquito trap. This is the first reported WNV mosquito pool found in the city of Columbus limits this season.

The positive pool was collected from the Linden neighborhood which will be sprayed this coming Thursday.

"These positive results are a reminder of the importance of taking precautions to protect ourselves from mosquito exposure," Dr. Long said. 

"Residents can help our community by eliminating standing water such as bird baths and baby pools where mosquitoes lay their eggs. Using insect repellant, wearing protective clothing at dawn or dusk, repairing window screens, are important ways we can all protect ourselves.” 

Columbus Public Health will spray the following Area Neighborhoods to Prevent West Nile Virus:

Thursday July 9, 2015:

• North Linden: (North Boundary – E Weber Rd., East Boundary – Attwood Terrace,  South Boundary – E Hudson St., West Boundary – I-71)
• North Linden: (North Boundary – Carbone Dr., East Boundary –  Karl Rd.,  South Boundary – Northridge Rd., West Boundary – I-71)
• Northwest Columbus: (North Boundary – Bahamas Dr., East Boundary – I-270 ,  South Boundary – Peak Ridge Dr. , West Boundary – Alum Creek)
• Northwest Columbus: (North Boundary – Marcella Dr., East Boundary –  Blendon Woods Metro Park,  South Boundary – Big Walnut Creek, West Boundary – Walnut View Blvd.)

WNV is transmitted to humans and animals through a mosquito bite. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds. 

Most individuals who are infected with WNV will not experience any illness. Individuals 50 years of age and older have a higher chance of getting sick and are more likely to develop serious symptoms when infected with WNV. Recent data also indicate that those with diabetes and/or hypertension are at greatest risk for serious illness. Symptoms of West Nile Virus are similar to the flu, including fever, headache, body aches, skin rash and swollen glands.  People with these symptoms should consult their doctor.

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 the West Nile Virus, as well as weekly fogging schedules, visit the Columbus Public Health Web site at www.publichealth.columbus.gov.  Additional information on West Nile is also available at www.cdc.gov and www.epa.gov 
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