WOOD COUNTY, Ohio — A mosquito pool collected in Wood County has tested positive for West Nile virus, the Wood County Health Department announced Wednesday.
The health department said the sample of mosquitoes was collected on July 12 and sent to the Ohio Department of Health for testing. The health department received the positive test results Wednesday.
WCHD said they contract with Bowling Green State University through the Ohio EPA Mosquito Control Grant to conduct mosquito surveillance. They said samples are regularly sent to ODH for testing.
“We expect to find mosquito pools that test positive for West Nile virus this time of year,” Lana Glore, environmental health director with the Wood County Health Department said. “The best way to combat West Nile virus is to prevent mosquito bites.”
Here are tips provided by the health department for preventing mosquito bites:
- Keep mosquitoes outside by shutting doors and covering windows with screens
- Make sure screens on windows and doors are free of holes or rips
- Use EPA-approved insect repellents every time you are outdoors
- Cover your skin with loose, light-colored long sleeve shirts and pants
- Avoid being outside at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active
- Get rid of mosquito breeding sites by emptying or treating any standing water on your property such as trash cans, bird baths, swimming pools and rain gutters.
For more information from the health department, click here.
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