PRESS RELEASE 08/22/2022 For Immediate Release West Nile Virus Infected Mosquitoes Found in Fairfield County08/22/22 [Lancaster, OH] -- The Fairfield County Health Department reported the first evidence of West Nile Virus (WNV) in Fairfield County for 2022. One pool of mosquitoes, collected on August 11th from traps monitored by the health department in the Village of Pleasantville, has tested positive for WNV. The Health Department sprayed the village for mosquitoes on August 16th and again sprayed the area immediately around the trap site on August 18th. The next mosquito spraying in the village is scheduled for August 30th. “The Fairfield County Health Department conducts mosquito surveillance across the county by trapping mosquitoes and sending them for testing by the Ohio Department of Health laboratory, allowing us to identify areas with WNV infected mosquitoes and better target our mosquito control efforts,” said Joe Ebel, Fairfield County Health Commissioner. Ebel added, “This summer we have collected over 1,800 mosquitoes for testing with 1.3% of sample pools testing positive for WNV. West Nile Virus cases typically rise in the late summer and early fall.” Residents are encouraged to take personal protection measures to protect themselves and their families against possible WNV infection, according to the Health Commissioner. To avoid possible infection from mosquito bites:
To eliminate mosquito breeding sites near your home:
For more information about the programs and services provided by the Fairfield County Health Department, visit FairfieldHealth.org. |