Mosquito samples in Clark County test positive for West Nile Virus

CLARK COUNTY — Recent mosquito samples collected in Clark County have tested positive for West Nile Virus, health officials confirmed Monday.

The sample was taken from the South Charleston area and is the first WNV-positive sample collected in 2022, according to the Clark County Combined Health District.

Mosquitos trapped throughout the county are submitted to the Ohio Department of Health (OHD) as part of the Vector-Borne Disease Program, the health district said.

In response to the confirmed presence of West Nile Virus, CCCHD says it is:

• Inspecting the affected area and working with property owners to reduce breeding sources by draining stagnant water or treating stagnant water with products containing Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti.) Bti is safe for humans and pets.
• Distributing informational flyers in the affected area.
• Misting the affected area with Duet® to reduce the adult mosquito population when weather permits. While safe for humans and pets, residents who have a concern about misting may opt out by calling 937-390-5600 or emailing the request and their address to environmental@ccchd.com.
• Continuing to monitor for West Nile Virus.

West Nile Virus is most commonly spread by infected mosquitoes and can lead to severe fever, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord), according to the health district.

For more information on West Nile Virus, you can click here.

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