Big spike in West Nile Virus cases this year - 13abc.com Toledo (OH) News, Weather and Sports

Big spike in West Nile Virus cases this year

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13abc.com Christine Long - email
TOLEDO, Ohio -

They're calling it the biggest spike in West Nile Virus cases in eight years. The federal government counts nearly 700 cases of the virus so far.

At least 26 people have died from West Nile, and it's already spread to at least 32 states this year. Some of the cases are hitting close to home.

There are no confirmed human cases in Lucas County, however, the director of the Health Department says two people appear to have the symptoms.

The virus in those cases wasn't likely contracted in Lucas County but rather while travelling out of town.

The Lucas County health commissioner says beware when getting bit by mosquitoes. They could be carrying West Nile.

"In Lucas County, we've had a couple cases that appear to be compatible with West Nile, but those have not been confirmed," says Health Commissioner David Grossman.

They're not confirmed, because testing isn't simple, and, in most cases, blood work needs to be sent out of town.

There are two probable human cases, a 73-year-old woman and a man.

"We do have a case that's in the hospital with probable West Nile, but he traveled from another state and therefore he may not have acquired it in Lucas County," says Grossman.

Experts say the warm spring brought on an early hatching of mosquitoes, which transmit the virus.

"This year, there is a little more concern because of the drought conditions that actually enable the West Nile mosquito versus other mosquitoes that don't like the dry drought," Grossman says.

The Toledo Area Sanitary District says 32 mosquito pools in Lucas County have already tested positive for West Nile. The district has sprayed insecticides three times throughout the count, but there are other precautions residents can take.

"Cover up, use long sleeves, use mosquito repellant when you can," suggests Grossman.

Ohio has nine confirmed human cases of West Nile so far this year. The victims are experiencing minor symptoms. Last year, the total number of cases in Ohio was 21.

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