West Nile virus detected in second sample of mosquitoes in Miami County

MIAMI COUNTY — Mosquito samples collected in two locations in Miami County have tested positive for West Nile virus, according to Miami County Public Health.

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This is the county’s second positive sample, after mosquitoes collected in Troy near Waco Park tested positive Aug. 1.

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The latest samples were collected July 24, one in Troy near Kensington Park, and the second in Tipp City near Kyle Park, according to a media release from MCPH.

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Officials said Tipp City fogged for mosquitoes in the Kyle Park area July 24, while Troy started fogging Monday night.

“As I’ve stated, this is a very unusual season and we want to take proactive action to ensure we eliminate as much of the potential for spreading West Nile Virus as possible,” Troy Mayor Michael Beamish said in the release. “However, all the fogging in the world won’t prevent cases from cropping up this year.”

No human cases of West Nile virus have been reported in Miami County in 2018, according to the Ohio Department of Health. Two human cases have been reported in the state, in Ross and Lake counties.

“Across the state of Ohio this year there have been 35 counties report West Nile virus activity, including positive mosquito tests and cases of the virus in humans and horses,” Miami County Public Health officials said in the release. “(The Ohio Department of Health) has identified over 1000 positive mosquito tests in 2018 in Ohio.”

Miami County Public Health officials said the best way to avoid West Nile virus is to use approved repellents by the Environment Protection Agency, or avoid outdoor activity during peak mosquito biting hours.

The CDC said most people infected with the virus do not develop any symptoms. However, symptoms of the virus include, headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash, according to health officials.