Nine human cases of West Nile Virus confirmed in Ohio - 21 News Now, More Local News for Youngstown, Ohio -

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - This is the worst year on record for West Nile Virus. Nearly 700 cases have been reported nationwide.

The latest case of West Nile in Ohio was confirmed Wednesday in the west-central part of the state.

However, the virus has been found in mosquito pools all over. Nine human case of the virus were confirmed in July, a month earlier than in years past.

"We had such a mild winter that many of the insects survived and then to have it so hot and dry the mosquitoes that have survived are pretty virulent. They are pretty strong mosquitoes," said Mahoning County Health Commissioner Pat Sweeney.

Sweeney says most people don't know when or if they've contracted the virus. Only about one in 150 people develop a severe case of the disease. Sweeney says people over the age of 50 and those with chronic health problems are most at risk.

"So, it is not a super problem, but it is something that you want to prevent and you prevent it by eliminating standing water. You don't want to have tire swings with water or bird baths with water or buckets or trash cans or anything like that that will collect water because the mosquitoes will breed," Sweeney said.

Sweeney says it is also a good idea to wear light clothing, insect repellent containing DEET and limit your time outdoors between dusk and dawn.

According to the Ohio Department of Health, this year's numbers are tracking similar to those in 2002 when the state recorded 441 cases of West Nile and 31 deaths.

The virus seems to be worse in the south. Texas officials have had to rely on aerial sprays for the first time in more than 45 years to control the outbreak. Nearly 400 cases and 16 deaths have already been reported in Texas this year.