Mosquitoes Test Positive for West Nile Virus

Franklin County Public Health has been actively trapping mosquitoes since Mid-May to monitor the population and test for West Nile virus (WNV).  Through this surveillance, we know several traps around the county have tested positive for WNV.

It is not unexpected to see WNV in mosquitoes in our community.  It has been present for many years.  When it appears can vary from year to year. Surveillance is just one part of our comprehensive mosquito management program.

This is a good reminder for people to take precautionary steps to protect themselves and their families.  

  • Wear insect repellant containing DEET (follow package directions)
  • Limit outdoor activity at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active
  • Mosquitoes breed in small amounts of water so empty all standing water around your home (like in planters, containers, pet dishes, bird baths, tires etc.)

WNV can be transmitted to people through the bite of an infected mosquito.  Symptoms include mild fever, headache and body aches, often with skin rash and swollen lymph glands.  Eighty percent of people bitten by an infected mosquito will not show any symptoms at all.  Less than one percent of those who do have symptoms will become severely ill.  In 2018, there were no human cases of WNV in Franklin County.

For more information on mosquitoes and WNV, visit mosquito.myfcph.org.   Residents can also call (614) 525-BITE or visit the website to report problem areas in their community.  Residents of Columbus should call 311.