9.5.2017: First Human Case of West Nile Reported in Columbus Resident
Press
Release
September 5,
2017
Contact
Jose
Rodriguez Columbus
Public Health 614-604-5025
[email protected]
Web – Facebook
– Twitter
First Human Case of West Nile Reported in
Columbus Resident
Columbus Public Health to Spray Area
Neighborhoods to Prevent and Control Disease
WHAT:
The first human case of West Nile has been
reported in a Columbus resident. The 77-year-old female is currently
hospitalized.
The primary way to get the West Nile
virus is through the bite of an infected mosquito. Most infected people do not
have any symptoms. About one in five people who become infected develop a fever
with other symptoms such as a headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting,
diarrhea or rash.
To help prevent additional
cases of West Nile, Columbus Public Health (CPH) is continuing its seasonal
spraying schedule. CPH will be spraying the areas highlighted in the online map
due to mosquitoes testing positive for the West Nile virus.
Rains have caused standing water where
mosquitoes can breed and multiply easily. CPH urges residents to help remove
temporary pools of water around their property by clearing debris from ditches,
cutting small channels to help pooling water drain or filling in holes and tire
ruts with dirt. Residents also should empty any standing water in buckets,
flower pots, bird baths, outside toys, and children’s small wading pools to
prevent mosquito growth.
Additionally, residents are urged to
avoid mosquito bites by: wearing long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, shoes and
socks when outdoors between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active;
wearing light-colored clothing which is less attractive to mosquitoes; using
EPA-registered mosquito repellent; and, installing or repairing screens on
windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out.
CPH practices disease
control and prevention for the West Nile virus by trapping mosquitoes,
investigating complaints, treating standing water, and spraying in areas with
high mosquito counts and disease presence.
WHO: Columbus Public Health
WHEN: September 6, 7, 8, 11, 12,
13, 2017
Between 3:30–7 a.m.
WHERE: The
online map outlines the areas to be
sprayed, weather permitting:
On Wednesday, September 6, the following areas will be sprayed:
- Clintonville
- Northland
- North Linden
- South Linden
- Near South
On Thursday, September 7, the following areas will be sprayed:
- Far Northwest
- Far North
- Northland
- North Linden
On Friday, September 8, the following areas will be sprayed:
- Clintonville
- Near East
- Near South
- North Linden
On Monday, September 11, the following areas will be sprayed:
- Far Northwest
- Far West
- Greenlawn/Frank Road
- Hilltop
- West Scioto
On Tuesday, September 12, the following areas will be sprayed:
- Eastmoor/Walnut Ridge
- Far East
- Northeast
- Southeast
- Westland
On Wednesday, September 13, the following areas will be sprayed:
- Downtown
- Far South
- Near South
- Hilltop
- West Scioto
DETAILS: Weekly
spraying areas are determined by mosquito trap results and reports from field
staff, the number and type of mosquitoes trapped, the number of infected
mosquitoes and evidence of human disease. Updated spraying maps are available
on the Columbus Public Health website.
INFO:
West Nile: www.publichealth.columbus.gov, www.cdc.gov and www.epa.gov.
Spraying Map: www.publichealth.columbus.gov.
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