POLAND Mahoning County Public Health (MCPH) is warning Poland Township residents after West Nile Virus was detected in some mosquitoes in the area.

According to a press release, the virus was detected in mosquitoes caught in a surveillance trap in the township. MCPH says while this detection was specific to Poland Township, the virus could be present anywhere in Mahoning County.

So far in 2025, there have not been any reported cases of West Nile Virus in humans in Mahoning County. The virus becomes more prevalent in mosquito populations in the late summer and early fall months.

Early symptoms of West Nile Virus include nausea, fever, vomiting and headaches. More serious cases include drowsiness, stiff neck, disorientation, tremors and possibly seizures. 

The best protection against West Nile Virus is to avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes. MCPH is offering the following tips to avoid getting bitten.

- Wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, socks and shoes when you're outside between dusk and dawn

- Remove water-holding containers like tin cans and unused flower pots

- Eliminate standing water

- Make sure all roof gutters are properly draining and clean

- Keep children's wading pools empty and lying on their side when not in use