MAHONING COUNTY Officials find West Nile in dead crow from area

The virus is active in Ohio and will likely spread to humans, an official said.
YOUNGSTOWN -- The first evidence of West Nile virus in Ohio this year was detected in four dead birds, including a crow from Mahoning County.
In addition, the Ohio Department of Health reported WNV-positive birds in Cuyahoga County, a blue jay; Medina County, a crow; and Franklin County, a grackle.
While no horse or human cases of the virus have been found, the virus is active in Ohio and will likely spread to horses and humans before summer's end, said Dr. J. Nick Baird, ODH director.
The 2002 WNV outbreak was the largest mosquito-borne disease outbreak in United States history. Ohio was behind only Michigan and Illinois in the number of cases, logging 441 probable and confirmed human cases and 31 deaths linked to WNV.
More testing planned
ODH's vector-borne disease program will continue testing birds until finding two WNV-positive birds from a local health jurisdiction. Once two WNV-positive birds are identified, ODH will turn its attention to testing mosquitoes in that jurisdiction, Dr. Baird said.
Even in areas where WNV has been reported, less than 1 percent of mosquitoes carry the virus, and less than 1 percent of people bitten by an infected mosquito will be come severely ill. Most people will have mild symptoms or none at all. In rare instances, however, WNV can cause encephalitis or meningitis. People over the age of 50 and those with other health problems are most susceptible to serious complications, Dr. Baird said.
He reminded people to avoid outdoor activities between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are more likely to be biting; cover up: wear shoes, socks, long pants and long-sleeved shirts and light-colored clothing; use mosquito repellent; keep windows and doors closed and screens in good repair; and eliminate breeding places by changing or getting rid of standing water in places such as gutters, bird baths, old tires, plastic containers and other items that collect water, Dr. Baird said.