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Athens Health Dept. Cautions Against West Nile Virus
By: Zainab Kandeh
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The Athens City/County Health Department is warning people to take precautions to protect themselves against the West Nile Virus just days after the state's first virus-related death was reported.
Exposure to the West Nile Virus has been confirmed in the Athens area, but the health department says the virus can be prevented by taking simple measures.
Health Department administrator Charles Hammer says staying away from areas with mosquitos and using repellants can prevent the bites.
"And then, cleaning up the environment so that you deny the mosquito a place to breed and proliferate, might not just save you from a problem, but people in your neighborhood," said Hammer.
Health officials in Southwest Ohio reported a 76-year-old man died from the virus earlier this week.
The state has seen 49 West Nile cases so far this year.