First Mosquitoes Positive for West Nile Virus -- 7.17.2013
COLUMBUS PUBLIC HEALTH – Press Release
FOR WEDNESDAY, JULY 17
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). This is the first evidence of WNV found in the city of Columbus limits this season.
The positive tests were collected in South Columbus between Brinker Ave and Holly Hill Dr., south of Sullivant Ave and north of Clime Road. A second group was collected in South Columbus between I-71 and Gantz Rd, south of Dyer Rd and north of I-270. Both areas will be scheduled for spraying, along with other areas affected with high mosquito counts.
The online map outlines the designated spray areas:
Thursday July 18, 2012
- Southeast Columbus: (North Boundary – Frank Rd., East Boundary I-71 –, South Boundary – I-270, West Boundary – Gantz Rd.)
- Southeast Columbus: (North Boundary – Sullivant Ave, East Boundary – Brinker Ave, South Boundary – Clime Rd., West Boundary – Holly Hill Dr.)
Friday July 19, 2012:
- West Columbus: (North Boundary - Sullivant Ave, East Boundary – Norton Rd, South Boundary- Hall Rd, West Boundary- Galloway Rd.)
- South Columbus: (North Boundary – Hilock Rd., East Boundary – Corr Rd., South Boundary – Williams Rd., West Boundary – S High St.)
"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.”
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 Web site.
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 and treat and monitor rain barrels.
For more information on WNV, as well as weekly fogging schedules, visit our Web site at www.publichealth.columbus.gov or visit us on Facebookk / Twitter / YouTube.
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