HARLAN TOWNSHIP, Ohio --Warren County health officials said they have found West Nile virus for the first time this year.
The sample was collected in Harlan Township on July 12, according to the Warren County Health District.
This is the seventh West Nile virus-positive mosquito pool found in Warren County since 2015, health officials said.
State health officials have said that they've seen the highest West Nile virus activity in mosquitos this early in the season since 2012. Only one human case of West Nile virus has been reported in Ohio so far this year.
The Warren County Health District treats standing water in public areas with an environmentally-safe larvicide and traps mosquitos for testing.
Residents can also help reduce their risk by following these tips, according to the Warren County Health District:
- Make sure that doors and windows have tight-fitting screens.
- Repair or replace all torn screens in your home.
- Remove all discarded tires from your property.
- Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots, or similar water-holding containers.
- Make sure roof gutters drain properly.
- Clean clogged gutters in the spring and fall.
- Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs.
- Keep empty and covered when not in use.
- Drain water from pool covers.
- Change the water in bird baths at least once a week.
- Turn over plastic wading pools, and wheelbarrows, etc. when not in use.
- Clean ditches of obstructions so they drain properly.
- Eliminate any standing water that collects on your property.
- Check trees for cavities that hold water and fill them with soil, gravel, or sand.
- Remind or help neighbors to eliminate breeding sites on their properties.
- Use insect repellant containing DEET at a concentration of at least 30 percent and follow the label directions.
