KENT, Ohio — The Kent City Health Department confirmed Tuesday that the West Nile Virus (WNV) has been detected in mosquitoes pools that were tested last month.
Health officials said that a pool is a collection of 50 mosquitoes. WNV positive mosquito pools were found in early August at Jesse Smith Park and Kramer Field. The health department will treat the affected areas.
“This is a confirmation that the WNV threat is in the area and will persist for the remainder of the summer,” the health department stated.
No human cases of the virus have been confirmed in Kent or Portage County.
According to health officials, mosquitoes breed in standing water.
Here are some tips from the health department on how to reduce the mosquito population:
- Install or repair window and door screens so mosquitoes cannot get indoors.
- Keep gutters clean and free of standing water.
- Empty water at least twice a week from flower pots, pet food and water dishes, birdbaths, swimming pool covers, buckets, barrels and cans.
- Remove discarded tires and other items that could collect water.
- Be sure to check containers or trash in places that may be hard to see and can potentially hold water, such as under bushes or under your deck.
Here are some tips on how to avoid mosquito bites:
- Use an insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, oil, lemon eucalyptus, or other EPA-approved active ingredients on skin and/or clothing.
- Avoid being outside at dawn and dusk. If you cannot avoid those times, use an insect repellent according to the label directions.
- Avoid shaded and wooded areas where mosquitoes may be present.
- Cover your skin when outdoors. Wear long-sleeve shirts, long pants, socks and shoes.
You can find more information about mosquitoes from the health department by clicking, here.
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