MADISON TOWNSHIP, Ohio — The discovery of mosquitoes carrying the potentially dangerous West Nile Virus has officials in the Madison school district warning students, staffers and volunteers for a community event Tuesday evening to take precautions.
Madison officials have issued alerts on Facebook and other social media urging all those participating in a community clean up day to wear insect repellent, the Journal-News reports.
According to a Facebook post and alert email from Madison Twp. officials, the mosquitoes carrying the virus were discovered Monday afternoon in the Madison Township Community Park pond about a half mile from the district’s K-12 campus.
“Very important information,” Madison School officials posted on their district website.
“All students who are practicing at Madison, there has been a confirmed mosquito infected with West Nile Virus in the Madison School District area. PLEASE MAKE SURE THAT YOU WEAR INSECT REPELLENT TO PRACTICE AND TO OUR COMMUNITY CLEAN UP DAY!”
The Community Clean Up Day begins at 4 p.m. and runs through 7 p.m. at the Madison Schools’ Field House.
According to the township’s Facebook posting, “historically Butler County (and others throughout the state) have mosquitoes test positive for West Nile virus every summer.
“Fortunately, most people infected with West Nile virus do not ever feel sick. About 1 in 5 people who are infected develop a serious, sometimes, fatal, illness.
“Precautions around preventing mosquito bites, such as the use of bug spray and wearing breathable long pants and shirts, are the best steps one can take to prevent West Nile virus.
“If you or your family members are going to be around the pond or in the park this week, please be sure to have all persons wear bug spray. The pond is currently taped off, so if you see anyone in that vicinity, please inform them of this release.”
Township officials said that treatment of the pond would begin this morning.
