Tips for Preventing West Nile Virus

Ohio recently confirmed mosquitoes infected with the West Nile virus have been found.

Avon Lake Service Director Tom Lescher said there are within city limits, but residents can take steps to reduce the risk of beng bitten by an infected mosuqito.

According to the Center for Disease Control, people who are bitten by an infect mosquito will show symptoms between 3 and 14 days after being bitten. Approximately 80 percent of people (about 4 out of 5) who are infected with the West Nile virus will not show any symptoms at all.

People with mild cases may suffer fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting and sometimes swollen lymph glands or a skin rash on the chest, stomach and back. Symptoms can last from a few days to several weeks.

Those with  severe symptoms ( which is just one in 150 people) can include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis. 

To prevent getting West Nile, the Ohio Department of Health offers these tips:

• Make sure that doors and windows have tight-fitting screens.
• Repair or replace all torn screens in your home.
• Remove all discarded tires from your property.
• Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots, or similar water-holding containers.
• Make sure roof gutters drain properly. Clean clogged gutters in the spring and fall.
• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs. If not in use, keep empty and covered.
• Drain water from pool covers.
• Change the water in bird baths at least once a week.
• Turn over plastic wading pools, and wheelbarrows, etc. when not in use.
• Clean ditches of obstructions so they drain properly.
• Eliminate any standing water that collects on your property.
• Check trees for cavities that hold water and fill them with soil, gravel, or sand.
• Remind or help neighbors to eliminate breeding sites on their properties.
• Use insect repellent and follow the label directions.