Last year I wrote an article on mosquitoes (June 24, 2024). This year, it appears we have more mosquito-borne diseases to worry about. Within the past few weeks, Tuscarawas County has had two confirmed cases of La Crosse encephalitis.
On July 17, county officials were notified that a Uhrichsville man had been diagnosed with La Crosse encephalitis. At the end of July, a second case was confirmed in a Goshen Township resident. Additionally, a mosquito collected in a Port Washington trap tested positive for the virus.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, La Crosse virus is spread to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. Typically, the mosquito picks up the virus from small woodland mammals such as squirrels or chipmunks. Once infected, the mosquito can transmit the virus to another animal or human through a bite.
Most people infected with the virus do not develop symptoms. Early symptoms can include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting and fatigue. In severe cases, especially in children under 16, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) may occur. There is currently no vaccine or specific treatment for La Crosse encephalitis. The best way to reduce risk is to prevent mosquito bites.
Mosquitoes in Ohio can carry several diseases that affect both humans and pets, including:
— West Nile virus — St. Louis encephalitis — La Crosse encephalitis — Eastern equine encephalitis
They can also transmit the parasite that causes heartworm in dogs.
Some local governments treat for mosquitoes using ultra-low volume sprayers, applying only a few ounces of pesticide per acre. Many newer pesticides are more ecologically friendly and species-specific, reducing harm to beneficial insects. Some communities also use larvicides in standing water to prevent mosquito eggs from hatching.
Prevention
Even if your municipality sprays for mosquitoes, many areas receive little or no treatment. You can help reduce mosquito populations and protect yourself by taking the following steps:
1. Manage standing water
Eggs cannot hatch without water. Eliminate or reduce stagnant water to prevent breeding:
— Screen rain barrels.
— Empty containers such as cans, buckets and bird baths.
— Keep gutters clean so rainwater can drain.
— Fill holes in the ground, including hoof prints or tree holes, with dirt or gravel.
— Fix leaking outdoor faucets.
— Drain or cover unused swimming pools and watering troughs.
— Dispose of or cover old tires.
2. Avoid bites
— Wear long sleeves and pants outdoors, especially if you are allergic to bites, and use repellent.
— Be aware that mosquitoes are most active in early morning and late evening.
— Keep windows and doors screened.
— Remember mosquitoes rest in tall grass, weeds and on the undersides of leaves.
3. Report stagnant water
Report large areas of standing or stagnant water to your local health department. Find contact information at: odh.ohio.gov/find-local-health-districts.
