The Cuyahoga County Board of Health wants to prevent the spread of West Nile Virus, which remains a threat through the fall. Some facts and tips:
- West Nile Virus (WNV) is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the continental United States
- It is most commonly spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito
- Cases of West Nile Virus occur during mosquito season, which starts in the summer and continues through fall
- There are no vaccines to prevent or medications to treat WNV in people
- About 1 in 5 people who are infected develop a fever and other symptoms
- About 1 out of 150 infected people develop a serious, sometimes fatal illness
HELP PREVENT MOSQUITO ACTIVITY
- Dispose of containers that collect water (buckets, tires, cans, flower pots, etc.)
- Eliminate areas of standing water
- Repair leaky outdoor faucets that leave puddles
- Empty and refill bird baths at least once a week
- Clean, drain and cover pools or hot tubs if not in use
- Unclog all gutters so they drain properly
- Fill tree holes with tar or cement
- Tightly screening all openings of your home
- Keep children indoors during times of peak mosquito activity (1 hour before and 1 hour after sunset)
- Click here for more information on mosquito bite prevention
PREVENT PERSONAL EXPOSURE
Use insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or lemon eucalyptus oil and follow the label directions.
SYMPTOMS
People who have symptoms including high fever, headaches, muscle aches, vomiting and loss of appetite for two to 15 days after a mosquito bite should seek medical attention and advise their doctor of the prior exposure to biting mosquitoes.
REPORT A PROBLEM
Please contact CCBH at 216.201.2000 to report areas of persistent standing water or heavy populations of biting mosquitoes.
WEBSITES
https://www.cdc.gov/westnile/index.html