City of Columbus

Human Cases of West Nile Virus

NEWS RELEASE: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 10, 2015

Contact:
Jose Rodriguez, Director of Public Affairs and Communications, Columbus Public Health
(614) 645-6928 office or (614) 604-5025 cell

Mitzi Kline, Director of Communication, Franklin County Public Health
(614) 525-3028 office or (614) 374-1924 cell

Human Cases of West Nile Virus Reported in Columbus and Franklin County

Columbus Public Health and Franklin County Public Health report three human cases of West Nile virus (WNV). The cases involve a 51- year old female (hospitalized), a 67- year old female recovering at home, and a 58 – year old male that has recovered. The areas where the individuals reside, have all been recently sprayed. They include the west, and northwest regions of the city/county. 

West Nile virus has been present in mosquitoes in Franklin County for well over a decade. It is not unexpected to see pools of mosquitoes test positive for WVV each summer.

WNV can be transmitted to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. Symptoms include mild fever, headache and body aches, often with skin rash and swollen lymph glands. 70 – 80% of people bitten by an infected mosquito will not show any symptoms at all.  Less than one percent of those who do have symptoms will become severely ill.  Franklin County and Columbus had six human cases of WNV in 2012, two in 2013 and none in 2014.  Prior to that, there had not been a human case here since 2006.

Mosquito season is starting to wind down but Columbus Public Health and Franklin County Public Health remind residents protect themselves and their families when outdoors.

• Wear insect repellant containing DEET (follow package directions)
• Limit outdoor activity at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active
• Eliminate all standing water around your home (mosquitoes breed in water and it doesn’t take much)

Public Health leaders urge neighbors to help remove temporary pools of water around your property. Include clearing debris from ditches, cutting small channels to help pooling water drain, or filling in holes and tire ruts with dirt.

Columbus Public Health and Franklin County Public Health continue to trap mosquitoes, treat standing water and spray in area neighborhoods to protect our residents.  

For more information or to report problem areas Franklin County residents can visit www.myfcph.org or call (614) 525-BITE.  City of Columbus residents can call 311 or visit our online map that outlines the designated spray areas.

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