The Medina County Health Department recently confirmed the county’s first human case of West Nile virus this summer. For privacy reasons, no details about the patient are being released.
Prior to this case, health officials had already detected 30 mosquito samples testing positive for WNV across the county between June and August. The samples came from mosquito traps monitored regularly by MCHD.
The Health Department is reminding residents to take precautions, especially during peak mosquito activity in the mornings, late afternoons, and evenings. Recommended steps include:
– Using insect repellents with DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or para-menthane-diol.
– Wearing lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants when outdoors.
– Ensuring windows and doors are properly screened.
– Removing standing water around homes, including flowerpots, birdbaths, buckets, and wading pools, to eliminate mosquito breeding sites.
West Nile virus is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito, which typically contracts the virus from feeding on infected birds. The virus cannot spread directly from person to person.
Symptoms may include fever, headache, body aches, diarrhea, vomiting, rash, and swollen lymph nodes. Severe cases are rare, but individuals over age 50 or those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of complications.
Anyone experiencing symptoms is encouraged to seek medical care.
