The Licking County Health Department will spray the pool as part of its mosquito control program.
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Licking County health officials identified the county's first pool of mosquitoes infected with the West Nile virus.
The Licking County Health Department will spray the pool Thursday evening as part of its mosquito control program. The pool is a trap located near Jefferson Road and Moull Street in Newark.
According to the Ohio Department of Health, there are 14 cases of West Nile virus disease across the state, including in Ashtabula, Cuyahoga and Franklin counties.
“While it’s not unexpected to find West Nile Virus in the county, it’s still important for residents to take simple precautions to protect themselves and their loved ones,” said Health Commissioner Chad Brown.
Residents should remember some of the following tips, according to Brown:
- Eliminate standing water on your property to reduce mosquito breeding sites
- Purchase and apply Environmental Protection Agency-approved insect repellant
- Wear pants and sleeves when appropriate
- Avoid other outdoor activity after dark when mosquitoes are most active
The health department has a spraying schedule for the next week:
- June 26: Area near Jefferson Road and Moull Street in Newark
- July 1: Pataskala
- July 1: Granville Township — McPeek Lodge, Wildwood Park, Raccoon Valley Park, Spring Valley Nature Reserve, area near Beechwood and Thornwood drives
How to stop mosquitoes from breeding near your home
- Empty standing water from flowerpots, buckets, barrels, tarps or covers and wheelbarrows on a regular basis.
- Discard trash such as tin cans, plastic containers and other water-holding containers that have accumulated on your property.
- Dispose of discarded tires properly. Drill holes in tire swings so water drains out.
- Replace the water in bird baths weekly.
- Check and clean clogged roof gutters at least twice annually so they will drain properly.
- Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with mosquito-eating fish.
- Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, even those that are not being used.
- Keep children's wading pools empty and on their sides when they aren't being used.
- Install or repair screens on windows and doors.
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