The threat of the West Nile virus has arrived in Greater Akron.
Surveillance testing of mosquitoes in Summit County has returned two positive results for West Nile.
Summit County is one of five counties in Ohio where there have been positive results for West Nile virus.
The Ohio Department of Health says the other counties with positive results include Stark, Portage, Richland and Franklin counties.
State health officials say there have not been any positive West Nile cases among residents, birds or horses.
Mosquitoes are most active in Ohio from May through October.
Sara Cochrane, mosquito program supervisor for Summit County Public Health, said the positive trap results were in Norton on Connect Road and in Boston Heights at the dead end of Pine View.
“The West Nile virus is endemic to Summit County and residents should take precautions at all times to prevent mosquito-borne diseases,” she said.
Cochrane said it is typical for there to be a at least one positive result in June in Summit County.
What are the signs of West Nile?
The Ohio Department of Health says some 80% of those infected with West Nile virus will not show any symptoms. Those infected can show symptoms anywhere from two to 14 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.
Some 20% will experience symptoms for as little as a few days to up to several weeks.
The symptoms include:
Health officials say about one in 150 people infected will develop severe illness.
These symptoms can last anywhere from several weeks, and neurologic effects may be permanent.
Symptoms of severe illness can include:
The state says death from the infection can occur in 10% of those with severe illness.
Mosquito bite and breeding prevention
Here are some preventive measures the health department recommends taking to stay safe this summer.
To better help eliminate mosquito breeding grounds around your home, you can:
For more information, visit scph.org.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: West Nile virus confirmed in Summit County. What you need to know
Reporting by Craig Webb, Akron Beacon Journal / Akron Beacon Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Craig Webb, Akron Beacon Journal | USA TODAY Network
