First Human Case of West Nile Virus in Columbus for 2013 - 8.28.2013
Columbus Public Health – Press Release
DISEASE PREVENTION AND CONTROL FOR WEST NILE VIRUS
FOR WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28, 2013
CPH RECORDS 2013’s FIRST HUMAN CASE OF WEST NILE VIRUS
Spike in West Nile-positive mosquitoes also reported
Columbus’ first human case of West Nile virus (WNV) in 2013 is now recorded by Columbus Public Health (CPH), which also reported a sharp increase in the number of mosquitoes in our region.
The case is a 38-year-old male, who was hospitalized and has recovered. Meanwhile, the number of WNV-positive mosquito pools in the city has increased.
"This first human case of West Nile virus of 2013 reminds us of the importance of taking precautions to protect ourselves from mosquito exposure," Health Commissioner Dr. Teresa Long said. " Residents can protect themselves by using insect repellant, wearing protective clothing at dawn or dusk, repairing window screens, and eliminating standing water such as bird baths and baby pools where mosquitoes can breed.”
To avoid possible infection from mosquito bites: If you are outdoors between dusk and dawn, wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, shoes and socks. Light colors are least attractive to mosquitoes. Use insect repellent with DEET 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. Empty rain barrels every four to six days. If you notice mosquitoes, add a portion of Mosquito Dunk, available at most hardware stores, which is safe for plants, pets and people.
About one in every 150 people bitten by an infected mosquito will become severely ill; most people will experience mild, flu-like symptoms – including, fever, headache, tiredness and body aches – or none at all.
CPH practices disease control and prevention for WNV by trapping mosquitoes, investigating complaints, treating standing water, and spraying in areas with high mosquito counts and disease presence. CPH will be spraying the areas highlighted in our on-line map to help control disease in our region. The online map outlines the designated spraying areas.
Additional information on West Nile is available at: www.publichealth.columbus.gov,
www.cdc.gov, and www.epa.gov.