News
Release
For Immediate Release
Contact: Irene G. Warren, Director of Development
October 6, 2003
(937) 374-5626 or 1-866-858-3588
GREENE
COUNTY REPORTS ITS
ITS FIRST CASE OF
HUMAN WEST NILE VIRUS
(Xenia, OH) Greene County Combined
Health District’s Health Commissioner, Mark A. McDonnell, announced today that
first case of Human West Nile Virus has surfaced in Greene County.
The
Ohio Department of Health (ODH) notified the Health District on October 6, 2003,
that a 25-year-old male Xenia resident was confirmed positive for the virus.
He was not hospitalized.
OHD
has reported 68 probable/confirmed human cases this year. They have been
reported in the following counties: Adams 1; Butler 1; Clark 2; Clermont 2;
Clinton 1; Cuyahoga 21; Drake 1; Defiance 1; Erie 1; Franklin 3; Fulton 1;
Hamilton 1; Hancock 1; Huron 1; Lake 1; Licking 1; Logan 1; Loraine 6; Lucas 1;
Mahoning 1;Montgomery 2; Paulding 2; Portage 1; Preble 1; Sandusky 1; Shelby 1;
Stark 2; Trumbull 1; Union 1; Warren 1; Washington 1; Wayne 3; Wood 1; and
Wyandot 1.
Four
deaths have been attributed to the West Nile Virus. They have been reported in
the following counties: Franklin, a
77-year-old man; Montgomery, a 78-year-old male; Stark, a 90-year-old female;
and Wyandot, a 69-year-old male.
Health
Commissioner McDonnell stressed the importance of residents protecting
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. 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.
For
more information on West Nile Virus, contact Greene County Combined Health
District, Amy Schmitt, Communicable Disease Nurse,
(937) 374-5600 or 1-866-858-3588.
Greene County Combined
Health District – Your center for public health services and health
information in Greene County for over 70 years.
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