Official lists steps to prevent virus

The disease has influenzalike symptoms and it can cause death.
By ZACH STIPE
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
YOUNGSTOWN -- As warm weather approaches, area residents should take precautions to protect themselves from mosquito-borne illnesses such as the West Nile virus, local health officials say.
The virus, carried by mosquitoes, can cause brain damage and is sometimes fatal. It is especially dangerous to adults over 50 and children.
Symptoms are similar to those of influenza and include high fever, headaches, muscle aches, vomiting and loss of appetite.
Mahoning County Health Commissioner Matthew Stefanak said two county residents contracted the virus last year.
There are many steps residents can take to avoid infection from mosquito bites, he said.
Use of mosquito repellent is essential.
Stefanak recommends wearing mosquito repellent containing DEET if a person is outside at dusk. He also advises parents to pay special attention to children, who should use a DEET repellent with a concentration lower than 10 percent. Adults are urged to use repellents with 30 percent DEET.
The Ohio Department of Health recommends repellents containing picaridin or lemon eucalyptus oil, as well as repellents with DEET.
Other suggestions
ODH reminds people to avoid outdoor activity during dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active. If a person must be outdoors, department officials suggest wearing long pants, long-sleeved shirts, shoes and socks.
Stefanak also recommends residents look around their homes to spot standing water, a primary breeding ground for mosquitoes. Stefanak suggests checking the water build-up in things such as a dog's water dish, flower pots and gutters, which are easily clogged.
"Pay attention to those little things and you can reduce mosquito breeding sites," Stefanak said.
Residents should take proper care of pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs, as well. ODH suggests cleaning and chlorinating them when in use and keeping them empty when not in use. Also, residents should make sure to drain water from pool covers. Bird bath water should be changed daily, too.
No cases yet
The West Nile virus has yet to be found in Mahoning County this year. Stefanak said the health board has just begun testing and expects the virus to appear as the weather becomes warmer.
The health board tests mosquitoes and birds for the virus.
"We will be able to tell the public when the virus becomes active again," Stefanak said.
Residents can do their part by reporting findings of dead birds to the health board (330) 270-2855 and by taking the above-mentioned precautions.
The West Nile virus first struck the United States in 1999 with an outbreak in New York. Stefanak has seen an increase in mosquito activity since then, but is optimistic about the future.
"Now that it's found everywhere in the continental U.S., hopefully the number of cases will diminish as people build up immunity [to the virus]," Stefanak said.