By Marc Kovac

news@vindy.com

COLUMBUS

State health officials have been given the green light to purchase mosquito traps for use around the state to prevent the spread of the Zika virus.

The state Controlling Board approved $99,625 to buy the “BG Sentinel mosquito traps” from California-based Bio-Quip Products Inc., as part of the Ohio Department of Health’s zoonotic disease program. The company is the only domestic distributor of the traps.

Health officials will use the traps to pinpoint larger populations of mosquitoes. That information then will be used to guide local insect-control efforts.

According to documents, the traps are “collapsible and light” and “have been recommended as the best traps to capture the Asian tiger mosquito, which has been identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as a vector of Zika virus as well as chikungunya virus and dengue virus.”

The Zika virus is transmitted primarily through mosquito bites, and health officials say there’s no indication that it can be spread through casual contact.

Of those who are infected, health officials say most have no symptoms. Others may have mild fevers, rashes, joint and muscle pains or headaches that last from several days to a week, but “hospitalization is uncommon.”

Of primary concern, however, is the virus’ link to infections in pregnant women and certain birth defects. The CDC is recommending pregnant women or those trying to get pregnant consider postponing travel to affected areas, including Central America, South America and Caribbean countries.

To date, eight Ohioans have been infected with the virus while visiting affected areas, according to the Ohio Department of Health. There is currently no vaccine for the Zika virus.