2 new cases of West Nile reported in the Tri-State

CINCINNATI - Two new cases of the West Nile virus were confirmed in the Tri-State Monday, according to a report released by the Ohio Department of Health .

One of those cases was reported in Clermont County and the other in Hamilton County.

So far there have been 69 human cases and two deaths in the state of Ohio.

The first West Nile Virus death in the Tri-State was in Hamilton County on Aug. 29. The Ohio Department of Health said a 76-year-old man died from the virus, but did not release his identity.

In the Tri-State there have been 10 confirmed cases this year. Butler County reported one case, Clermont County two, Hamilton County six, and Warren County one.

West Nile Virus is spread through mosquito bites. Experts advise the following steps to protect yourself:

• Use insect repellent
• Wear protective clothing when outdoors when mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn. Light colors are least attractive to mosquitoes
• Drain all containers on your property that hold water

West Nile Virus can affect the nervous system and may produce no symptoms in some infected people. Others will have flu like symptoms and can include a rash.

For more information on the West Nile virus reports in Ohio visit http://www.odh.ohio.gov/features/odhfeatures/Mosquitoes/West%20Nile%20Virus%20Updates.aspx .