A mosquito trap in Chillicothe has tested positive for West Nile.
The Ohio Department of Health on Monday notified the Ross County Health District that mosquitoes sampled from one of their traps at 261 Allen Avenue were confirmed positive for carrying the West Nile Virus.
The District said in a press release issued Monday, June 25th that the positive sample was taken the week of June 11th.
While the Health District says cases of serious illness associated with West Nile are rare, they encourage precautions to be taken as there is currently no antiviral or vaccine that can treat the disease, and infection can cause serious health issues such as encephalitis and meningitis.
Symptoms of West Nile can include aches, fever, joint pain, diarrhea, vomiting and rash.
The District says the best way to avoid infection is to prevent mosquitoes from biting in the first place by use of mosquito repellent, avoiding outdoor activity from dusk to dawn when mosquitoes are most active, and wearing long sleeve shirts and pants that are tucked in when outdoors.
Another good way to reduce the chance of being bit by a mosquito is to eliminate potential breeding grounds around your home and yard. This can be done by eliminating any objects that can collect standing water such as buckets, barrels, flower pots and tires. The District also recommends wading pools be turned upside down when not in use, and that water in pet dishes and bird baths be refreshed frequently. The District also has the ability to treat stagnant pools of water to prevent mosquito breeding.
Anyone with questions or concerns can contact the Ross County Health District at 740-775-1158.
Monday's full release from the Ross County Health District can be found below.