Mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus found in Trumbull County
Two mosquitoes carrying the West Nile virus were recently found in Trumbull County.
CHAMPION TWP., Ohio - Two mosquitoes carrying the West Nile virus were recently found in Trumbull County. One off the bike trail in Champion Township and the other in the community center in Newton Falls.
These mosquitoes with West Nile virus were found only a little over two weeks after a mosquito carrying the West Nile virus was found at Johnson Park on the east side of Youngstown.
According to a Champion Schools press release, the Trumbull County Board of Health notified Champion Township, and the township then notified Champion Local Schools.
Until further notice, Champion Schools Superintendent Pamela Hood said that Champion athletic teams will not practice or scrimmage at or near dusk or dawn, which are prime times mosquito activity.
All games will move forward. All athletes, coaches, and spectators will be encouraged to use mosquito spray as a precautionary measure.
The press release stated that Champion Township will be spraying for mosquitoes on August 28th.
Champion Schools will be spraying the water detention area behind the new preK-8 construction on Thursday, August 9th.
According to the Trumbull County Combined Health District, a bite from a mosquito carrying West Nile Virus can cause a severe headache, fever, aches, joint pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and rash; however, most, eight out of 10 people, will not develop any symptoms. Serious illness associated with West Nile Virus is rare but can include central nervous system disorders including encephalitis and/or meningitis.
There is no vaccine or antiviral treatment for West Nile Virus, so the most effective way to avoid infection is to prevent the mosquito bite.
In order to avoid mosquito bites, one should use mosquito repellent as directed on the package, avoid outdoor activities during dusk to dawn when mosquitoes are most active, and wear long sleeves, long pants, and tuck clothing in.
You can also reduce mosquito breeding sites around your home by removing sources of standing water, such as flower pots, buckets, and barrels. Turn wading pools on their side when not in use. Change water in birdbaths and pet dishes frequently.
