Precautions urged to prevent mosquito, tick-borne diseases
Workshop explores Zika virus concerns Area residents and officials are invited to attend a free upcoming session, “Understanding Zika,” about the Zika virus at 9 a.m. Thursday, May 12, at the Russells Point Municipal Building, 433 State Route 708, Russells Point. Speakers will include Brian Deenihan, a control consultant with Clarke, and an Ohio Department of Health representative, who will seek to educate and answer questions regarding the virus. The presentation is offered in a collaborative effort with the Village of Russells Point, Clarke, the Ohio Department of Health and JB Vegetation & Insect Control LLC. As of April 15, the CDC has confirmed 358 imported cases of the Zika virus in the U.S. The virus is transmitted by the bite of a mosquito and from human to human, and causes symptoms in about one in five people infected, including fever, rash and joint pain. However, the CDC also has linked Zika virus to microencephaly in babies who contracted the virus while still in their mother’s womb. The CDC also is investigating a correlation of Zika with Guillain-Barre syndrome, an uncommon sickness of the nervous system. Reservations are requested by calling 843-9797. |
The Ohio Department of Health and the Logan County Health District urge Ohioans to “fight the bite” with the arrival of mosquito and tick season in the area by taking precautions to prevent bites to avoid diseases they may carry, such as Zika virus, West Nile virus and Lyme disease.
In Ohio, ticks are usually active from April through September, and mosquitoes from May through October.
“You can take some simple precautions at home and when traveling to prevent potentially serious mosquito-borne and tick-borne diseases,” said ODH Medical Director Dr. Mary DiOrio. “Zika virus has received a lot of attention as a disease that can be transmitted by some mosquitoes, but there are other mosquito-borne diseases as well, including West Nile virus. Ticks also can transmit diseases like Lyme disease.”
The primary mosquito that transmits Zika virus is found in the tropics and southern U.S., and is not known to be established in Ohio. A “cousin” of the mosquito is found in parts of Ohio and may potentially transmit Zika virus.
A type of mosquito found in Ohio can transmit West Nile virus, and the state reported 35 cases last year.
Mosquitoes can live indoors and outdoors, and some species bite during the day while others bite at dusk and dawn.
Here are some tips to avoid mosquito bites and prevent mosquito-borne diseases:
• If you are outdoors when mosquitoes are most active, be sure to wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, shoes and socks.
• Wear light-colored clothing, which is less attractive to mosquitoes.
• Use EPA-registered mosquito repellent and follow the label directions.
• Wear clothing and gear treated with permethrin, an insecticide (do not apply permethrin directly to skin).
• Install or repair screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out of your home.
Some tips to eliminate mosquito breeding sites around your home include:
• Eliminate standing water.
• Empty or remove water-holding containers, such as buckets, unused flower pots and bird baths.
• Make sure all roof gutters are clean and draining properly.
• Keep child wading pools empty and on their sides when not being used.
Ohio ticks also can transmit a variety of diseases, including Lyme disease, and the state reported 154 cases last year.
Some tips to avoid tick bites and prevent tick-borne diseases include:
• Prevent direct contact with ticks by avoiding wooded and bushy areas with high grass and leaflitter, and by walking in the center of trails.
• Wear clothing and gear treated with permethrin, an insecticide (do not apply permethrin directly to skin).
• Use EPA-registered tick repellent and follow the label directions.
Visit the ODH Web site, www.odh.ohio.gov, for more information about how to prevent mosquito-borne and tick-borne diseases and other information and resources.