The first case of West Nile virus this year has been reported in Cleveland, the Cleveland Department of Public Health announced Thursday afternoon.
A 33-year-old east side man is currently hospitalized in Cleveland after contracting the virus. CDPH did not distinguish which hospital the man is at.
Ohio's West Nile virus report is now at 16 this year, up several cases from the 11 reported in 2014. In 2014, 24 cases of West Nile virus were reported in the state and 122 were reported in 2012.
Ohio Department of Health released a list of tips to avoid mosquito bites:
- If you are outdoors between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active, be sure to wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, shoes and socks.
- Wear light-colored clothing, which is less attractive to mosquitoes.
- Use EPA-registered mosquito repellent and follow the label directions.
- Install or repair screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out of your home.
- Eliminate standing water.
- Empty or remove water-holding containers, such as buckets, unused flower pots and bird baths.
- Make sure all roof gutters are clean and draining properly.
- Keep child wading pools empty and on their sides when
