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Mosquito-borne diseases down in Ohio

Nearly a decade ago, there were more than 400 reported cases of West Nile virus in Ohio.

This year, it took until August for the first two cases to be reported in the state.

The cases occurred in Cuyahoga and Putnam counties, according to the Ohio Department of Health.

In 2002, there were 441 reported cases of West Nile virus in Ohio, according to a Health Department news release.

During the next few years, there was a steady decline, and the number has stayed in the single digits since 2009.

The decline in cases is not a result of the successful elimination of West Nile virus in the state, said Patricia Parker, an infection, prevention and control coordinator at O’Bleness Memorial Hospital.

Because of advances in medical understanding, doctors have stopped ordering tests and begun simply prescribing medicine to patients showing viral symptoms, she said.

Despite the scarcity of cases this year, Parker said mosquito-borne illnesses might still be hard to avoid.

“Preventing mosquito bites and the spread of mosquito-borne illness is difficult because you never know which one is carrying (a disease),” said Parker, adding that this makes the prevention of breeding a larger concern than bites themselves.

Mosquitoes have been very active because of the higher temperatures and humidity felt throughout the state this past summer, said Parker.

The insects are most active during the hours of dawn and dusk, according to the release, which also recommends wearing long sleeves and pants at these hours as well as utilizing insect repellent.

In order to prevent the spread of mosquito-borne illness, the news release stressed the importance of removing any standing water from one’s property to eliminate breeding areas for the insects, according to the ODH.

Items that could potentially hold water, such as discarded tires, tin cans and empty flowerpots, also should be discarded, the release advises.

Additionally, the department recommends homeowners clean roof gutters and chlorinate permanent bodies of water such as ponds and pools to further prevent mosquito breeding.

sm366909@ohiou.edu

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