Experts predict a case of West Nile in humans

By SHERRI L. SHAULIS
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
YOUNGSTOWN -- Based on patterns witnessed over the past few years in New York, officials at the Ohio Department of Health think Ohio could see its first confirmed human case of West Nile virus this year.
"There's a general pattern that if you find confirmed cases in birds one season, then the following year, you will see positive results in mosquitoes and humans," said Frank Migliozzi, director of environmental health for the Trumbull County Board of Health.
Last summer, there were two confirmed cases of the disease in birds found in Mahoning County; Trumbull County reported one confirmed case. Columbiana, Mercer and Lawrence counties reported no cases. No reports have been confirmed in any birds yet this season. Testing this year began May 15.
West Nile virus has been commonly found in humans, birds and other animals in Africa, Eastern Europe and the Middle East since the 1930s. Until 1999, it had not previously appeared in the United States.
"The risk of contracting West Nile virus is negligible compared to other diseases like Rocky Mountain spotted fever, LaCrosse encephalitis and St. Louis encephalitis that can be transmitted by mosquitoes," Matt Stefanak, Mahoning County health commissioner, said.
There has always been a small risk of diseases from mosquitoes in Ohio, he said, but the risk of West Nile virus is even more minute.
Prevention efforts
More than 80 percent of confirmed cases of the virus in birds occur in crows or blue jays. Anyone who sees a dying or dead crow or blue jay should report it to the local health department, and residents should also take steps to reduce the number of mosquitoes, officials said.
"Any type of container or area of standing water can be a breeding ground," said Mark Nichol, director of environmental health at the Columbiana County Health Department. "Any bucket not turned upside down, old tires, even a hole in a tree can become a breeding ground."
Although many local communities have their own spraying programs for mosquitoes, there is always more that can be done.
"Spraying helps, but it is no one person's responsibility," Nichol said.
To reduce the number of mosquitoes, eliminate the breeding grounds. Remove old tires, tin cans, plastic containers or other unwanted containers from property. Turn over plastic wading pools when they are not in use, and clean and chlorinate other swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs. Drain water from pool covers or tarps used to cover boats, cars, etc. Change the water in birdbaths at least once a week. Remove outdoor pet food and water dishes when they are not in use.
"One of the things people don't realize they need to do is keep their gutters clean," Migliozzi said. "They need to be cleaned and draining properly, or they can attract mosquitoes."
To avoid mosquito bites, stay indoors at dawn or early in the evening, their prime feeding times. Wear long-sleeved pants and shirts with sleeves if heading outdoors at those times, and spray the clothing with repellents containing DEET. Do not spray children 2 and younger with repellents containing the chemical.
For more, visit www.odh.state.oh.us on the Web, the site of the Ohio Department of Health .
slshaulis@vindy.com