UPPER SANDUSKY, Ohio — Wyandot County Public Health has identified two positive West Nile virus samples during the mosquito trapping season as of Aug. 11. The WNV positive samples were collected on July 2, 2025, and July 23, 2025, at the Carey Wastewater Treatment plant and confirmed positive on Aug. 6 by the Ohio Department of Health. These samples are the first positive samples identified in Wyandot County during the 2025 mosquito collection season.
“While we generally assume that mosquitos carrying West Nile virus are in the county every season, these positive samples are a reminder of the importance of taking steps to reduce mosquito breeding areas and exposure to mosquito bites,” said Wyandot County Director of Environmental Health Molly Owens.
WNV can cause potentially serious illness and is present in many counties in Ohio, including Wyandot County. In 2024, a human case of WNV was reported, the first in the county since 2018. WCPH remains proactive in monitoring WNV activity through the trapping and testing of local mosquito populations and through monitoring the Ohio Disease Reporting System for positive human cases of WNV.
Approximately 80% of people who are infected with West Nile virus will not show any symptoms at all. Those who develop symptoms usually do so between two to 14 days after a bite from an infected mosquito. Up to 20% of people who become infected will have symptoms that can last for a few days up to several weeks including fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting, swollen lymph glands, and a rash on the chest, stomach or back.
As end of summer activities continue and fall sporting events begin, it is important that county residents take proper precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. These precautions include wearing long sleeves and applying an Environmental Protection Agency–registered mosquito repellent containing DEET at a concentration of at least 30% to reduce the likelihood of a bite. In 2025, WCPH received a grant through the Ohio EPA to provide free mosquito-bite reduction tools including EPA-registered bug spray, screen repair tape, and mosquito dunks which are used to reduce breeding in stagnant water. These products are available at community events and will be offered free at the Wyandot County Fair through the health department’s booth in the old merchants’ building while supplies last. Those in need of mosquito reduction tools may also visit or call the health department and request items directly.
The public can minimize the number of mosquitoes and reduce their risk of being bitten by following these tips:
- Make sure that doors and windows have tight-fitting screens. Repair or replace all torn screens.
- Turn over plastic wading pools, and wheelbarrows, etc. when not in use.
- Dispose of any items that collect water on a property including off-rim tires and unused tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots, etc.
- Make sure roof gutters drain properly. Clean clogged gutters each spring and fall.
- Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas, and hot tubs. Keep pools empty or covered when not in use. Always drain water from pool covers.
- Change the water in bird baths at least once a week.
- Clear ditches of obstructions so they drain properly and eliminate any standing water that collects on your property.
- Check trees for cavities that hold water and fill them with soil, gravel, or sand.
- Remind or help neighbors to eliminate breeding sites on their properties.
For more information, visit the Ohio Department of Health's West Nile virus page and follow @WyandotHealth on social media.
