Alert
Columbus Combats West Nile Virus
June 8, 2007

What is the West Nile Virus?

The West Nile Virus is an illness caused by infected mosquitoes that carry the disease from infected birds to people.  A person’s risk of contracting the West Niles Virus is extremely low, but the risk is still there.   

Facts About West Nile:

• Not all mosquitoes carry the West Nile Virus and only an infected mosquito can cause illness.
• Most people bitten by an infected mosquito will never develop symptoms or become sick.
• People 50 or older or those with weakened immune systems are at greatest risk.
• Symptoms are like the flu: fever, headache, body aches, skin rash and swollen glands.
• No vaccine is available, but a doctor should be consulted if symptoms develop.
• The greatest risk of getting West Nile Virus is during the months of July, August and September.

What is Columbus Public Health doing to prevent the West Nile Virus?

Trapping, Testing, and Fogging

Columbus Public Health begins trapping mosquitoes in June each year to test them for West Nile virus. CPH also investigates mosquito complaints and treats standing water to kill larval mosquitoes.

Fogging to kill adult mosquitoes begins the first week of July through September to reduce the number of mosquitoes.  Fogging occurs during early morning hours with the least toxic chemicals available. Weekly maps are available to see where CPH is fogging.

How does Columbus Public Health decide where to fog?

Columbus Public Health staff review mosquito trap results and reports from field staff, and consider the number and type of mosquitoes trapped as well as the number of infected mosquitoes.  Weekly fogging is not based on the number of complaints from any given area. 

How can people reduce their risk of West Nile Virus?

• Use insect repellant that has DEET or Picardin and use according to directions.
• Apply repellant for children and keep it out of their reach.
• Get rid of standing water (such as bird baths, gutters, tires, and baby pools) where mosquitoes lay eggs.
• Wear protective clothing if you are out at dawn or dusk (such as long pants or long sleeve shirts). 
• Repair door and window screens around your home.

What to do if you find a dead bird:

Dead adult crows or blue jays should immediately be reported to 311 or 645-3111 with the location, date and time.  In order for a bird to be for tested, it must have been dead for less that 24 hours.  All other dead birds should be double bagged and thrown in the trash.