West Nile virus claims first victim in Mahoning Co.

Staff report

AUSTINTOWN

A 66-year-old Mahoning County woman died Thursday after being hospitalized with encephalitis caused by the bite of a mosquito carrying the West Nile virus.

The victim was the first human case of West Nile virus in Mahoning County reported to the Mahoning County District Board of Health and the Ohio Health Department, said Mary Helen Smith, environmental health director for the county health department.

Smith said where the victim lived and when and how long she was hospitalized would not be made public.

Earlier in the summer, one case of La Crosse encephalitis also was reported in Mahoning County, Smith said.

Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain that can result from the bite of an infected mosquito, she said.

There are three prevalent mosquito-borne viruses that cause encephalitis in Ohio. They are: La Crosse encephalitis, usually an infection in young children; and St. Louis encephalitis and West Nile encephalitis, which often are more-serious diseases that affect older adults.

Approximately 80 percent of people who are infected with WNV do not show any symptoms at all; but there is no way to know in advance if the illness will develop.

Those who do develop symptoms usually do so between three and 14 days after they are bitten by the infected mosquito. Early symptoms may include nausea, fever, vomiting and headache, Smith said.

As mosquitoes are still active at this time of year, everyone should remain vigilant and take all reasonable precautions to protect themselves against mosquito bites and eliminate breeding sites, said Patricia Sweeney, Mahoning County health commissioner.

The health department recommends if you’re outdoors between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active, wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, shoes and socks. Residents are advised to use insect repellent and follow the label directions.

To eliminate mosquito breeding sites near homes, remove water-holding containers such as tin cans and unused flower pots. Eliminate standing water and make sure all roof gutters are properly draining and clean. Keep children’s wading pools empty and on their sides when they aren’t being used.

Learn more about the West Nile virus on the Ohio Department of Health website at www.odh.ohio.gov/wnv.