News
West Nile Virus Confirmed in Franklin County
By: Associated Press
Posted on:
GRANDVIEW HEIGHTS, Ohio (AP) – Franklin County health officials say mosquitoes near Columbus have tested positive for West Nile virus.
The mosquitoes were trapped May 26 in Grandview Heights, just northwest of downtown, and tested the next day.
Franklin County Public Health sent out spray trucks Monday night and will continue this week in other communities.
Columbus Public Health spokesman Jose Rodriguez tells The Columbus Dispatch that the virus popped up much earlier than usual. Health officials plan to move up their trapping and testing schedule because of the test results.
West Nile is transmitted through a bite from an infected mosquito. Last year in Ohio, there were 11 cases of the virus and one death.
Officials say residents should clean out any standing or stagnant water where mosquitoes tend to breed.