Dover, Ohio - Another pool of mosquitoes in Tuscarawas County has tested positive for West Nile Virus.

The Tuscarawas County Health Department has been conducting trapping throughout the summer for the species of mosquito that carries the West Nile Virus was notified on August 23 that a pool of mosquitoes collected near the Rush Christian School in Rush Township had tested positive for West Nile Virus. 

The health department will be responding by spraying on multiple occasions within a two-mile radius of the positive pool location. 

Spraying is scheduled to begin during the week of Monday, August 27, but will be postponed in event of rain, high winds or cold temperatures. Persons with respiratory problems should take appropriate actions to remain indoors while spraying is occurring. 

Residents are encouraged to follow the following guidelines from the Ohio Department of Health to help protect against mosquito-borne diseases, including West Nile Virus and Zika Virus.
 
Avoid mosquito bites. It is import to prioritize personal protection to prevent mosquito bites.

• Wear EPA-registered mosquito repellents whenever mosquitoes are present and follow label instructions.
• Wear long, loose, light-colored clothing.
• Install or repair screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes outside.

 
Help reduce mosquito breeding around your home. Get rid of potential mosquito breeding sites to help prevent mosquito-borne diseases.

• Empty standing water from flower pots, gutters, buckets, pool covers, pet water dishes, discarded tires, and birdbaths. 
• Consider using products containing Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti), available at many garden and home improvement stores, to control mosquito larvae in containers that are too large to empty.  Follow the label instructions.

 
Have all horses vaccinated against West Nile Virus. All horse owners should vaccinate their animals against West Nile Virus. Contact your vet to find out more information on this important vaccine.
 
For more information on mosquito control activities in Tuscarawas County or for up-to-date mosquito-borne disease information, visit us at www.tchdnow.org or call 330-343-5550.