CLARK COUNTY — A second collection of mosquitoes trapped in Clark County tested positive for West Nile Virus, health officials announced Monday morning.
>>RELATED: West Nile Virus detected in Clark County mosquitoes
The test sample was captured in South Charleston and sent to the Ohio Department of Health, who informed the Clark County Combined Health District of the positive test.
Earlier in July, the health district announced a first sample of mosquitoes captured in the Park Layne area also tested positive for West Nile Virus.
Mosquitoes most commonly spread West Nile Virus after feeding on infected birds, health officials said. The infected mosquitoes can then spread the virus to humans and other animals when they bite.
Health officials said around 80 percent of people infected with WNV will not show any symptoms at all. Mild symptoms can develop in up to 20 percent of people, including fever, headache, nausea, swollen lymph glands, among others, and can last a few days or several weeks, health officials said.
Approximately one in 150 people infected with West Nile Virus can develop severe symptoms, including high fever, headaches, muscle weakness, vision loss, and paralysis.
Clark County health officials said the department will continue to work to reduce breeding sources for mosquitoes by draining stagnant water or treating areas of stagnant water. Properties in the affected area will also be misted with Duet to reduce the mosquito population.
Cox Media Group
