The Mercer County - Celina City Health Department has confirmed that West Nile Virus has been detected in the mosquito population at a testing location in the county, but no human cases or animal cases have been confirmed.
Kimberly Machesky, MPH, of the Ohio Department of Health, said the virus was detected from a sampling event conducted on July 23, 2015.
ODH officials performed the sampling in a nature preserve near Coldwater, Ohio.
This confirmation reaffirms the ongoing assumption that the mosquito population could be infected with disease causing agents, and that people need to take precautions against mosquito bites.
To avoid risk of contracting a mosquito-borne disease, use insect repellent containing DEET on exposed skin (especially during early morning hours and early evening hours), or cover exposed skin with clothing and eliminate breeding sites such as standing water.
