West Nile Virus confirmed at two Alliance sites

Canton Repository
·2 min read
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Mosquitos carry the West Nile virus and can transfer it to humans in a bite.
Mosquitos carry the West Nile virus and can transfer it to humans in a bite.

ALLIANCE ‒ Alliance City Health Department announced the West Nile Virus has been found in mosquitos in two areas of the city.

According to a news release, the department routinely checks mosquitos for the virus and sends mosquito specimens to the Ohio Department of Health for tests. A recent check found mosquitos from areas near the Butler Rodman Park and Alliance Area Senior Center tested positive for the virus.

Randy Flint, the city's health commissioner, said Wednesday that they have not received any reports of people being sick from the virus.

To avoid possible infection from mosquito bites, the department recommended:

  • 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 EPA-registered mosquito repellents according to label instructions.

To eliminate mosquito breeding sites near your home, officials said:

  • Remove all discarded tires and other water-holding containers such as cans and unused flower pots from your property.

  • Eliminate standing water from your property.

  • Make sure all roof gutters are clean and drain properly.

  • 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.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a majority of people (8 out of 10) infected with the West Nile Virus do not develop any symptoms. For those, who do, the illnesses can range from a fever with other mild symptoms to more serious problems involving the central nervous system.

For more information on West Nile Virus, visit the department's website at www.cityofalliance.com/health under Publications; contact the department at 330-821-7373; or check with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov.

This article originally appeared on The Repository: West Nile Virus confirmed at two Alliance sites