(Cleveland) - This year's first instance of West Nile virus in Cuyahoga County has been found in a mosquito trapped in Middleburg Heights.
The mosquito was trapped in mid-July, and was confirmed after testing by the Ohio Department of Health.
Joe Lynch of the Cuyahoga County Board of Health says we're a couple of weeks later than usual in finding an instance of the mosquito-borne virus, which he attributes to a cooler spring that slowed down the breeding of mosquitoes.
There have been no human cases of West Nile Virus this year in Ohio.
Health experts give these guidelines to prevent mosquito activity, and reduce your exposure to West Nile, which can be deadly:
· Clean, drain and cover pools or hot tubs if not in use
· Dispose of containers that collect water such as buckets, scrap tires, cans, and flower pots
· Eliminate areas of standing water
· Empty and refill bird baths at least once a week
· Fill tree holes with tar or cement
· Keep children indoors during times of peak mosquito activity - one hour before and one hour after sunset
· Repair leaky outdoor faucets that leave puddles
· Tightly screen all openings of your home
· Unclog all gutters and drains
· Use insect repellent on both skin and clothing. Repellents should contain DEET, picaridin or lemon eucalyptus oil for skin, and permethrin for clothing. Follow label directions.
· Wear light-colored clothing that covers arms and legs
You can prevent personal exposure to mosquitoes by using insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or lemon eucalyptus oil and follow the label directions.
(Photo by Patrick Kovarik/AFP/Getty Images)