UPPER SANDUSKY, Ohio — Wyandot County Public Health has identified a third positive West Nile virus sample during the mosquito trapping season as of Sept. 24. The WNV positive sample was collected Aug. 27 and confirmed positive on Sept. 24. This sample was collected at the Carey Wastewater Treatment plant, the same area where two positive samples were collected earlier this season.
“Summer is winding down, but mosquitos stay active until the first frost,” said Wyandot County Director of Environmental Health Molly Owens. “We expect to find WNV positive mosquito pools each year throughout Ohio. Mosquito surveillance helps us understand the kinds of transmissible diseases that are circulating in Wyandot County and reiterates the importance of preventing mosquito bites through use of bug repellent and reducing mosquito breeding sites around your home.”
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.
Wyandot County Public Health is currently offering free mosquito dunks, which are used in potential breeding grounds around the home to prevent mosquito breeding. The dunks and other mosquito bite prevention tools offered at public events this season are available through a Mosquito Control Grant received by WCPH through the Ohio EPA.
To prevent mosquito bites this fall:
- Wear long sleeves/pants and apply an Environmental Protection Agency–registered mosquito repellent containing DEET at a concentration of at least 30% when spending time outdoors.
- Make sure that doors and windows have tight-fitting screens. Repair or replace all torn screens.
- Turn over areas where water collects such as plastic wading pools, and wheelbarrows 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 especially as autumn leaves fall.
- Change the water in bird baths at least once a week.
- 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 Wyandot County Public Health’s website at www.wyandothealth.com or follow Wyandot County Public Health on social media @WyandotHealth.
