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The Cincinnati Health Department has detected the presence of West Nile virus in mosquito populations in Bond Hill and Madisonville.
Those were the first positive mosquito pool results in the city this summer and officials are urging residents to help reduce mosquito breeding areas to prevent the virus from spreading, the department said in a news release Friday.
Once a population of mosquitoes tests positive for the virus, the health department contacts all residents within a half-mile to a mile radius, officials said. Last year, 31 mosquito pools tested positive for West Nile virus, which was an increase from a previous average of just three positive pools per year.
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The last confirmed case of West Nile virus infecting a Cincinnati resident was in 2012.
“Whenever we find West Nile virus in our local mosquito population, we recognize the danger of it being transmitted to humans. That is what we want to prevent,” Cincinnati Health Department Commissioner Dr. Grant Mussman said. “We want to encourage Cincinnati area residents to take some simple precautionary measures to protect themselves, their families, and their neighbors.”
Since mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, residents should eliminate sources of standing water, frequently replace water in bird baths and pet water bowls, ensure swimming pools are clean and chlorinated, and overturn plastic wading pools when not in use, officials say.
Officials also said to limit outdoor activity during dawn and dusk hours when mosquitoes are most active and to use federally-approved mosquito repellents.
Anyone with questions about local mosquito populations or the West Nile virus can contact the Cincinnati Health Department at 513-352-2922.
Rachel Carter is a health and wellness expert dedicated to helping readers lead healthier lives. With a background in nutrition, she offers evidence-based advice on fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being.
