News Release

For Immediate Release                     Contact:  Irene G. Warren, Director of Development

August 13, 2003                                (937) 374-5626 or 1-866-858-3588

WEST NILE VIRUS SURFACES IN GREENE COUNTY

(Xenia, OH) Greene County Combined Health District’s Health Commissioner, Mark A. McDonnell, announced today that the West Nile Virus has surfaced in Greene County.

The Ohio Department of Health (ODT) notified the Health District on August 13, 2003, a bird from Xenia tested on August 8, 2003, has been confirmed as being positive for West Nile Virus. This follows a report from ODH laboratories that birds from 15 of 88 counties in Ohio have tested positive for the West Nile Virus.

No human cases of West Nile Virus have been reported in Greene County.

The Health District has been and is currently operating a mosquito control program designed to detect, control and suppress the population of disease carrying mosquitoes.

Greene County residents can protect themselves by keeping gutters clean of debris; covering open boats; repairing leaking watering equipment; storing items that can hold water more than a few days; preventing old tires from collecting water; keeping swimming pools clean/covered; eliminating water collecting depression in tarps; cleaning bird baths once a week, keeping ornamental pots and plan sauces free of standing water; and keeping Gambusia fish in ornamental ponds. Insect repellent can also be used. Caution should be practiced when using repellants that contain DEET. If using repellants on children, be sure to use a product that is recommended for children’s use.

Currently there is a West Nile Virus vaccine available only for horses.

For more information on West Nile Virus, contact Greene County Combined Health District, Environmental Health Division, (937) 374-5600 or 1-866-858-3588.

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