Take precautions to protect from West Nile virus
As a third mosquito sample tested positive for West Nile virus in Butler County this week, residents and businesses of Butler County can protect themselves and their neighbors by eliminating places where mosquitoes lay their eggs.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, people should get rid of standing water, dispose of refuse that can hold water, drill holes in the bottom of recycling materials, clean clogged roof gutters and empty water accumulating in wheelbarrows, pots and other items.
Further, the CDC recommends preventing water from becoming stagnate in birdbaths, ornamental pools, water gardens and swimming areas.
Those who want to take more precautions can also look for control products at garden centers and stores.
Those tips may help prevent the mosquito population from growing, but the key to avoiding the West Nile virus entirely is avoiding mosquito bites.
To do this, the CDC recommends using insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants or using electric fans at outdoor events because the bugs are repelled by high winds.
Here in Butler County, positive samples have been found twice in Franklin Township between July and now and once in Zelienople during August, according to the Mercer County Conservation District. No human cases have been reported, but precautions should be taken to avoid this, the district said.
While 80% of people who are bit by an infected mosquito will not develop West Nile virus symptoms, 20% may see fever, body aches, nausea, vomiting and rashes. About 1 in 150 people will develop severe illness.
Those age 60 or older and those with medical conditions are most susceptible.
Moral of the story? Residents of Butler County, especially those in western Butler County, should take precautions, looking out for themselves and their neighbors along the way.
— TL
