Recent samples collected in the west and southwest sides of Springfield have tested positive for the West Nile Virus, the office of the Clark County Combined Health District said in a statement Friday afternoon.
This is the most recent report of the virus in the region, with positive samples from the insects reported in Greene and Miami counties.
Sanitarians for the health district have continued to trap mosquitoes throughout the county and submit those samples to the Ohio Department of Health as part of the district’s Vector-Borne Disease program.
RELATED: Ohio West Nile Virus activity highest since 2012
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).
In Ohio, the primary vector is the northern house mosquito.
Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds. Infected mosquitoes can then spread the virus to humans and other animals when they bite.
RELATED: West Nile Virus -- What you need to know
Approximately 80 percent of people infected with West Nile Virus will not show any symptoms, but there is
no way to know in advance if you will develop an illness. Those who do develop symptoms usually do
so between three to 14 days after they are bitten by the infected mosquito.
The CCCHD has sent an alert to the local medical community to facilitate quicker human diagnosis of West
Nile Virus.
There is no specific treatment for West Nile infection. Care is based on symptoms. The best way to avoid the virus infection is to prevent mosquito bites.
In response to the confirmed presence of the virus, CCCHD is
Inspecting the affected area and working with property owners to reduce breeding sources by draining
stagnant water or treating stagnant water with products deemed safe for humans and pets.
Distributing informational flyers in the affected area.
Misting the affected area 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 the virus.
For more, contact the CCCHD at 937-390-5600 or go to www.ccchd.com.