A pool of mosquitos in Powell tested positive for West Nile Virus, the Delaware Public Health District announced Friday, although no human cases have been reported. Health district workers, however, will not be able to fog the area with insecticide because of a festival this weekend.
West Nile Virus is a potentially deadly disease that has been in Ohio since 2001, according to the state health department. More than three-quarters of people infected with the virus — which spreads to humans through mosquito bites — are asymptomatic.
Symptoms of infection typically develop between two to 14 days from the mosquito bite, and can include fever, headaches, nausea, vomiting and a rash on the stomach or back.
The health department reports that about 1 in 150 people infected with the virus will become seriously ill, with symptoms ranging from a high fever and neck stiffness to vision loss, paralysis, convulsions and falling into a coma. Adults older than 50 are more at risk for severe illness.
West Nile Virus can only be diagnosed by a health care professional and often requires blood or spinal fluid testing. The disease has no specific treatment, and care focuses on symptom management.
To avoid infection, the Health District recommends taking the following precautions, especially if attending the Powell Festival or otherwise spending significant time outside:
- Dump out any standing water in flowerpots, gutters, and tarps, which is ripe for mosquito breeding.
- Wear light-colored clothing that covers your skin.
- Apply insect repellant containing Picaridin, DEET or lemon eucalyptus oil. Make sure to apply it to clothing, as mosquitoes can bite through fabric.
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