Ohio records first West Nile death

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WDTN) - Ohio recorded its first death due to the West Nile virus.

The Ohio Department of Health reported Wednesday that a 76-year old Hamilton County man died who had been hospitalized with encephalitis.

“We continue to see growing numbers of human cases of West Nile Virus infection and positive mosquito samples throughout the state,” said ODH Director Ted Wymyslo, M.D. “Ohioans should remain vigilant and take all reasonable precautions to protect themselves against mosquito bites.”

Ohio is up to 49 human cases of West Nile so far in 2012. Only 2 were reported at this time last year. The percentage of mosquitoes testing positive so far in 2012 has been higher than in any year since 2002.

The ODH says Ohio's drought is prime breeding weather for the type of mosquito that transmits West Nile.

To avoid possible infection from mosquito bites:

• Wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, shoes and socks, especially if you are outdoors between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.

• Wear light colors, which are least attractive to mosquitoes.

• Use insect repellent and follow the label directions.

To eliminate mosquito breeding sites near your home:

• Remove all discarded tires and other water-holding containers, such as tin cans and unused flower pots, from your property.

• Eliminate standing water from your property.

• Make sure all roof gutters are clean and properly draining. Clean and chlorinate pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs; keep them empty when not in use and drain water from pool covers.

• Check rain barrels weekly and prevent them from becoming a mosquito breeding source. • Change water in bird baths weekly.

The ODH says about four out of five people infected with the virus will not develop an illness.

If you do become ill, symptoms include fever, headache, tiredness and body aches, occasionally with a skin rash and swollen lymph glands. While the illness can be as short as a few days, even healthy people have reported being sick for several weeks.

2012 Ohio WNV Numbers at a Glance (as of August 28, 2012):

- 49 human cases

- 1 human fatality

- 56 years – median age of human cases

- 4 years – youngest human case

-  87 years – oldest human case

- 31 counties have WNV positive humans, mosquitoes and/or horses

- 960 positive mosquito samples

- 2 positive horses or other animals