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OSU extension specialist: More emphasis needed on West Nile Virus
By Marc Kovac
LONDON, Ohio
Ohioans might consider shifting concern over mosquito-borne illness from the much-discussed Zika virus to the not-as-much-discussed West Nile virus.
That’s according to an Ohio State University extension specialist, who urged residents to eliminate mosquito-breeding sites around their homes and take other precautions to combat both diseases.
“That’s something that’s going to benefit us, regardless [of which disease you’re working to prevent],” said Joe Boggs, who offered an update on Zika during an entomology talk at this year’s Farm Science Review near London, about a half-hour west of Columbus.
To date, the Ohio Department of Health has confirmed more than 40 cases of Zika. All but one were contracted in other countries; the lone exception was believed to be transmitted via sexual activity.
And the reason why? “The mosquito that spreads Zika is not found in Ohio,” Boggs said.
Health officials reported the first confirmed cases of West Nile late last month. Earlier this month, they reported the first West Nile-related death of the year – an 84-year-old Cleveland-area man.
West Nile cases have fluctuated in recent years, from 122 in 2012 to 35 last year, according to the Ohio Department of Health. “It hasn’t gone away,” Boggs said.
Both Zika and West Nile are spread via mosquitoes, and there are no vaccines to prevent either disease.
But residents can take steps to reduce the number of mosquito breeding areas, thus cutting down on the possibility of spreading Zika and West Nile. That includes making sure gutters drain properly and removing old tires and other containers that pool water and attract mosquitoes.
State health officials also suggest wearing long pants, long-sleeved shirts, shoes and socks if outside when mosquitoes are active, using repellent and repairing screens on windows and doors to keep the bugs out of homes.