CINCINNATI — They’re a familiar outdoor pest, known for leaving itchy bites on your body, but that’s not the only thing that’s possible if you get a mosquito bite in Ohio.
The Ohio Department of Health has collected and confirmed 532 West Nile virus positive mosquito samples so far this year as of Sept. 1.
Which is why Hamilton County Public health is working inform the public about the rising threat, especially during this key stretch of the summer.
Jeremy Hessel is the director of the Environmental Health Division for Hamilton County Public Health. His team is actively collecting and sampling mosquitoes in southwest Ohio and so are other health departments across the state.
He said from now until the first frost of the season is when humans have the highest chance to get the virus.
“Right now, we’re getting in the peak period of West Nile virus transmission from mosquitoes to humans,” Hessel said. “So when you’re outside the peak biting times are morning just after sunrise and toward evening when it starts getting dusk.”
Hessel said one of the biggest prevention tips they can offer is making sure that you wear mosquito repellent containing DEET.
They also recommend wearing long sleeves and light -colored clothing. With more people spending time outdoors for the holiday weekend, it’s important to remove any standing water.
“Look for those things that mosquitoes could be breeding in like containers, your gutters on the house, tires,” he said. “Anything like that that has water in it try to drain those or put mosquitoes dunks in there to prevent future breeding or mosquitoes from becoming future adults.”
Hessel said 70% to 80% of people who have West Nile won’t even know it, but it’s important to be aware of the symptoms.
“Some of the symptoms you could have are headaches, some confusion, just not feeling well,” he said.
Hessel said if you have a mosquito bite and you feel any of these symptoms contact your doctor. He said depending on how severe the symptoms are, you may want to go to the emergency room.
“Educate yourself and make sure you’re doing those things to protect yourself,” Hessel said.
A full rundown of information about mosquitoes and West Nile virus can be found here.
