West Nile virus found in Muskingum County mosquitoes

Zanesville, OH- Mosquitoes collected near Old Adamsville Road in Muskingum County have tested positive for West Nile virus, the Zanesville-Muskingum County Health Department said Wednesday.

The Ohio Department of Health lab notified local health officials of the positive results from traps in the area. No human cases of West Nile virus have been reported in the county, the department said.

About 80% of people infected with West Nile virus develop no symptoms. Roughly 20% experience mild illness that can include fever, headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea or rash. Most recover completely within a few weeks, though fatigue and weakness can linger for weeks or months. Fewer than 1% of those infected develop severe illness.

Anyone experiencing symptoms should contact a medical provider for possible testing, health officials said.

Residents can reduce their risk by avoiding outdoor activities between dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active; wearing long sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors if weather permits; using insect repellent containing DEET; and eliminating standing water where mosquitoes breed.

The health department plans to spray areas where the positive mosquito pools were found. Muskingum County residents who want spraying in their neighborhoods can call 740-454-9741, extension 300, and leave a request on the mosquito voice mailbox. A list of treated areas is available at www.zmchd.org/services/mosquito-control.

For more information, call the health department at 740-454-9741 or visit www.zmchd.org.