Ohio reports 2 human West Nile cases

Ohio’s first two human cases of West Nile virus of the year have been reported in a 34-year-old Cuyahoga County man with a febrile illness (fever), and a 77-year-old Hamilton County man with encephalitis, the state health department said.

Ohio reported 11 human cases of West Nile virus in 2014.

The primary way people get West Nile virus is through the bite of an infected mosquito. Most people who become infected do not have any symptoms.

About one in five people who become infected develop a fever with other symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. Less than 1 percent develop a serious neurologic illness, such as encephalitis or meningitis (inflammation of the brain or surrounding tissues).

“Ohio’s wet summer has caused standing water in many areas of Ohio, and mosquitoes breed and multiply in such water,”ODH Medical Director Dr. Mary DiOrio said in a prepared statement issued Wednesday afternoon.

“Ohioans should take reasonable precautions to avoid mosquito bites and eliminate potential mosquito breeding sites,” she said.

To avoid mosquito bites:

• If you are outdoors between dusk and dawn (mosquitoes are most active then), wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, shoes and socks
• Wear light-colored clothing, which is less attractive to mosquitoes
• Use EPA-registered mosquito repellent. Follow the label directions
• Install or repair window and door screens to keep mosquitoes out

To eliminate mosquito breeding sites around your home:

• Eliminate standing water
• Empty or remove water-holding containers, such as buckets, unused flower pots and bird baths
• Make sure roof gutters are draining properly
• Keep wading pools empty and on their sides when not in use