Second West Nile Virus case confirmed in Knox County

Trapping and testing of mosquitoes in Knox County have resulted in the second positive identification of West Nile Virus in Knox County. Knox Public Health received notification of the positive results from the Ohio Department of Health. The positive sample was collected in Clinton Township near Brookwood Drive and Newark Road. 

Knox County joins 41 other Ohio counties with positive WNV activity. As of Sept. 11, ODH and local health departments have placed traps in 47 counties this summer, collecting nearly 11,265 samples of which over 388,437 mosquitoes were tested. The positive collection results reported a total of 21 confirmed cases of WNV in humans.

Nate Overholt, environmental health director at Knox Public Health said, “[KPH] will conduct pesticide spraying in the areas where the positive mosquitoes were trapped.” The environmental health staff is also treating areas of standing water with larvicide to help reduce the mosquito population. 

Overholt urges residents to take personal measures to protect themselves from mosquitoes. Measures include using insect repellent containing DEET or other EPA approved repellents, along with emptying water-holding containers such as plant saucers, outdoor toys, old tires, and other items around your home.

Overholt advises, “If you must be outdoors when mosquitoes are active, cover up by wearing shoes, socks, long pants, and long-sleeved shirts. Also, wear light colors. They are less attractive to mosquitoes.” 

Knox Public Health will spray for mosquitos on Wednesday, Sept. 17, in Clinton Township occurring after 8 p.m. The following roads will be affected: Blackjack Road; Brookwood Drive; Club Drive; Culbertson Drive; Everview Drive; Glen Road; Greenbriar Drive; Harvey Street; Meadowbrook Drive; Millstone Lane; Newark Road (Glen Road out to Rangeline Road); Sharon Drive; Southridge Drive; Summit Drive; Wedgewood Drive; Westwood Drive; Winny Drive; and Woodland Drive.

If the spraying is canceled due to inclement weather, it will be rescheduled. For more information about West Nile Virus visit odh.ohio.gov or KnoxHealth.com. To stay up to date on public health topics, follow Knox Public Health on Facebook, Instagram or X @KnoxHealth.