Ohio records 2009’s first human case of West Nile Virus

COLUMBUS — Ohio’s first probable human case of West Nile virus this year was recorded today by the Ohio Department of Health, which also reported a sharp increase in the number of WNV-positive mosquitoes.

The patient, an 11-year-old boy from Cuyahoga County, is recovering. Meanwhile, the number of WNV-positive mosquito pools in the state nearly doubled in the past week to 97.

Because humans can get the virus only from the bite of an infected mosquito, the state health department reminds Ohioans to take steps to help prevent infection.

“Unfortunately, West Nile is endemic in Ohio,” said Dr. Alvin D. Jackson, state health department director. “Fortunately, however, it can be reduced and prevented by taking some simple, proactive steps.”

Those steps include wearing long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, socks, and shoes when you are outdoors between dusk and dawn.