(From Hancock Public Health)

Hancock Public Health is reporting a case of West Nile Virus in a local resident. This serves as an important reminder for everyone to take precautions to protect themselves and their families from mosquito bites.

Most people infected with West Nile virus do not develop any symptoms, however symptoms may include headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash.

Hancock Public Health is urging citizens to protect themselves from mosquito bites and to:

• Use insect repellent: Apply EPA-registered repellents.
• Take extra care to use repellents from dusk to dawn.
• Wear light-colored clothing, long-sleeved shirts or jackets, and long pants to protect against mosquito bites.
• Eliminate standing water-empty or treat areas where water can collect and become breeding grounds such as flowerpots, gutters, buckets, pool covers, bird baths, and tires.

Please consider contacting your healthcare provider if you experience any of the following symptoms 2 to 14 days after being bitten by a mosquito: 1) Fever 4) Nausea 2) Headache 5) Vomiting 3) Body aches 6) Swollen lymph nodes

Additionally, if you have areas on your property where standing water is an issue, you may come to Hancock Public Health to receive FREE mosquito dunks to treat standing water around the home.

For more information on mosquito-borne illnesses and prevention strategies, visit the Ohio Department of Health West Nile Virus webpage or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s website for West Nile Virus disease symptoms. If you have questions or concerns, please contact Hancock Public Health at 419-424-7870