Health officials in Trumbull County are urging individuals to take preventive measures against mosquito bites following the detection of West Nile Virus in a mosquito pool in Newton Falls. According to a recent news release, the positive sample was obtained between August 21 and August 24 at the baseball field located on Spencer Street in Newton Falls.

Just one month ago, the Columbiana County Health District reported the presence of West Nile Virus in a mosquito pool situated in Center Township. Moreover, earlier this week, Mercer County communities received notifications of West Nile Virus findings in local mosquito populations.

The Mercer County Conservation District has issued two press releases naming both Hempfield Township and the City of Hermitage as areas of concern. These advisories come on the heels of prior alerts from the Conservation District directed at residents of Mercer Borough and the City of Sharon the preceding week.

Notably, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there have been no reports of West Nile Virus infections in humans within the Valley this year. Additionally, the Mercer County Conservation District recently announced the detection of the Jamestown Canyon Virus (JCV) in Vernon Township. Health officials emphasize that JCV can lead to severe health complications.

To safeguard against mosquito-borne illnesses, here are some recommended precautions:

Use Insect Repellents When Outdoors:

    • Apply repellents to exposed skin registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). EPA-registered insect repellents have demonstrated safety and effectiveness, even for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
    • Wear clothing treated with permethrin or another EPA-registered repellent for added protection.
    • Adhere to product instructions for safe and effective use.
    • Avoid spraying repellents on the skin beneath clothing.

Exercise Caution During Peak Mosquito Activity Hours:

    • Be particularly vigilant about using repellents during the hours from dusk to dawn.
    • Wear light-colored clothing, long-sleeved shirts or jackets, and long pants to shield against mosquito bites.
    • Consider avoiding outdoor activities during peak mosquito activity hours.

Utilize Mosquito Netting for Outdoor Sleeping or Unscreened Areas:

    • Employ mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or within unscreened structures.

Prevent Mosquito Breeding on Your Property:

    • Regularly empty standing water from items like flowerpots, buckets, barrels, tarps/covers, and wheelbarrows.
    • Dispose of items like tin cans and plastic containers that can collect and hold water.
    • Properly dispose of discarded tires, ensuring they have drainage holes.
    • Change the water in pet dishes frequently.
    • Replace birdbath water on a weekly basis.
    • Clean clogged roof gutters at least twice a year to maintain proper drainage.
    • Aerating ornamental pools or introducing mosquito-eating fish can be effective.
    • Even unused swimming pools should be cleaned and chlorinated.
    • Store children's wading pools empty and on their sides when not in use.

Adhering to these precautions will aid in reducing the risk of mosquito-borne diseases and contribute to overall public health and safety.