The first human case of West Nile Virus has been reported in Montgomery County. The Ohio Department of Health say a 68-year-old female resident has been diagnosed with the disease.
West Nile Virus is a potentially serious illness that is most commonly spread by infected mosquitoes.
The health department reports that, as of August 27, there have been eight human cases of West Nile in the state with one reported fatality. In 2017 the state reported 34 human cases and five deaths, though none were reported in Montgomery County or Greene County.
Last year, Greene County Public Health officials reported a rise in mosquitoes testing positive for West Nile.
Public Health Dayton and Montgomery County says there is “a rise in the number of mosquitos testing positive for West Nile Virus,” which, “greatly increases the chances of people becoming infected.”
They say “approximately 80 percent of people infected with West Nile Virus will not show any symptoms at all. Perhaps 20 percent of those infected will experience “mild symptoms such as fever, body aches, and swollen glands. Symptoms can last a few days, though in some cases, they may last for several weeks.
The disease can be serious or life threatening to about one in 150 people.
Additional information provided by Public Health Dayton and Montgomery County:
Severe symptoms can include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis. If you are experiencing any of these severe symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
Use EPA-approved mosquito repellent such as DEET, and follow the label directions. If you are outdoors between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active, be sure to wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, shoes and socks. Wear light-colored clothing, which is less attractive to mosquitoes. Install or repair screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out of your home.
Make sure all roof gutters are clean and draining properly. Eliminate standing water in your yard as well as from flower pots, buckets and barrels. Change the water in pet dishes and replace the water in bird baths weekly. Drill holes in tire swings so water drains out. Keep children's wading pools empty and on their sides when they aren't being used.
Public Health’s Mosquito and Vector Disease Control program protects our community from mosquito-borne diseases. The local mosquito population is monitored, tested, and controlled through regular trapping, species identification and spraying in contracted areas. For more information call 225-4362 or visit www.phdmc.org.
