Canton City Public Health: West Nile virus found in more mosquito samples

CANTON − Two more mosquito samples — collected at Covered Bridge Park and Ransom H. Barr Elementary School as part of a mosquito surveillance program — have tested positive for West Nile virus, Canton City Public Health said.

This brings the total of local West Nile virus positive tests to five. The first three positive tests were at Stadium Park, Thurman Munson Stadium and the 1300 block of Henry Avenue SW.

West Nile virus is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the continental United States. The virus is spread to humans from the bite of an infected mosquito. Symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, vomiting, diarrhea or rash, and are seen in about 20% of cases.

Canton City Public Health is applying larvicide to kill mosquitoes at the larval stage, and remove stagnant water areas. The agency also said mosquito spraying also will continue over the summer months.

How to reduce mosquitos

Canton City Public Health encourages people to help reduce mosquitoes by following these steps:

• Limit outdoor activities during peak mosquito activity (early morning and late evening).
• Use an approved insect repellant when outdoors.
• Wear lightweight long pants and shirts.
• Remove sources of stagnant water around your home and yard such as buckets, old tires and tarps.
• Change water in pet dishes daily.
• Drain and clean bird baths at least weekly.
• Keep swimming pools clean and chlorinated with water circulating (even if not being used).
• Keep gutters clean.
• Repair window and door screens.
• Remove old, unused tires to a legal tire disposal facility. Canton residents can dispose of 10 tires per person per year for free at the Canton Recycling Center, 742 Schroyer Ave. SW. Schedule an appointment at www.timetorecycle.org/resources/schedule-an-appointment/ or call 330-874-2258, press 1.

For more information on how to fight mosquitoes, visit www.cantonhealth.org.