Mark A. McDonnell, RS, MS, Health Commissioner

Robert P. Dillaplain, MD, Medical Director

 

News Release

For Immediate Release                     Contact: Shannon Taylor, Asst. Public Information Officer

July 23, 2008                                      (937) 374-5669 or 1 (866) 858-3588

 

 

Greene County Combined Health District

Monitors Mosquitoes

 

(XENIA, OH)  The Greene County Combined Health District (GCCHD) has been monitoring adult mosquitoes in the surrounding communities.  Debbie Leopold, Environmental Health Director, states, “By monitoring and trapping mosquitoes, it gives us a forewarning.  If a virus is detected, the community can then be advised to protect themselves.”  Mosquitoes have been trapped since May and will continue until October throughout Ohio, concentrating on human population centers. The number of sites, the frequency of trap placement, and number of traps per site will vary depending on where the virus is most likely to be present.

Mosquitoes will be collected using gravid mosquito traps, and then sent to Ohio Department of Health (ODH) for identification and testing. Trapping will be expanded if West Nile Virus is detected in mosquitoes, birds, horses, or humans. Information on the total number, the type and the sex of mosquito (since only females spread viruses) will be collected.

 

Greene County Health Commissioner Mark A. McDonnell reminds everyone to be aware of their exposure to mosquitoes and to protect themselves by:

 

  1. Eliminating standing pools of water, such as birdbaths, gutters, old tires, unused pools, boats and buckets.
  2. Avoid shaded areas where mosquitoes may be resting.
  3. Limit outdoor activity during evening hours.
  4. Wear protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts and pants.
  5. Use insect repellents (those containing DEET can be very effective; follow manufacturers usage recommendations).

GCCHD will continue to monitor for mosquitoes by checking for standing water, applying larvacide, trapping and testing mosquitoes and spraying adulticide if indicated.

For more information about mosquito control or to contact the Environmental Health Division, call (937) 374-5606.

Greene County Combined Health District – Your center for public health services and health information in Greene County for over 80 years.

 

Healthy People…Healthy Communities

360 Wilson Drive

Xenia, OH 45385

937-374-5600 * 866-858-3588 * Fax 937-374-5675