West Nile Virus - Ohio will spray mosquito breeding grounds

West Nile Virus (WNV), is proving to be more of a health worry than may have been initially thought especially in Lucas County - Ohio.

The recent rainy spring weather has caused great concern and present conditions there are very favorable and very conducive for mosquito breeding.

The threat of WNV has prompted the health department there to start spraying to kill mosquitoes.

The WNV which is often unpredictable, is spread by mosquitoes that bite infected birds, and was first detected in Ohio back in 2001.

In 2002, 31 Ohioans died from the virus and another 441 became infected. Fortunately last year there were no human cases reported in Northwest Ohio.

At this time, no positive samples have been collected so far this year in Ohio, but WNV is active in surrounding states, and experts are expecting the virus to also be active in Ohio.

Areas with large amounts of standing water which are the perfect spot for mosquitoes to breed will be targeted for spraying.

The Toledo area sanitary district will begin spraying this week. The Health Department will use fog trucks and plan to spray at 9 pm. They will work in an eastwardly direction working towards Sylvania, Holland, Whitehouse, and Waterville this week. Next weekend the crews aim to work towards the city of Toledo and then head towards Oregon.

Health officials are asking all residents to eliminate standing water in their yards and gardens in an attempt to control the mosquito population. They also recommend using a mosquito repellent spray.