West Nile Cases Increase by 40 Percent This Week
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that current outbreak is largest ever in the United States.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that there has been a 40 percent spike in reported cases of West Nile this week.
Cuyahoga County has the highest number of outbreaks in the state, at 14.
One of those cases took place in Shaker Heights. The city's health department has not released the identity of the 54-year-old resident, but said that the individual is recovering and has not suffered any any neurological effects following a mosquito bite.
Mosquitos have tested positive for the virus in Shaker Heights, Stow and Cuyahoga Falls.
There haven't been any reported cases in Summit County — yet. In Stow and other nearby communities, the Summit County Public Health Department sprayed for mosquitos on Monday.
In Stow, five out of seven traps recently set by the Summit County Public Health Department contained mosquitos carrying the virus, according to Stow resident Andrew Deikun, the county's coordinator for the mosquito control program.
"With an increase in mosquito activity" Deikun said he "expects" to see a report in or around Stow before the summer is over.
Protect yourself from bites: Tips from the Shaker Heights Health Department
As of Aug. 28, 1,590 human cases had been reported in the U.S. in 48 states. 43 of those cases were in Ohio.
Lorain and Stark County have one reported human case each. Summit, Portage and Lake counties have no reported cases this year, according to the CDC's website.
Dan Alaimo
9:52 am on Friday, August 31, 2012
It might be only my house or neighborhood, but I've noticed far fewer mosquitos and other bugs this year. Maybe the city sprayed?
Michelle Simakis
10:23 am on Friday, August 31, 2012
That's good to hear! Where do you live? Standing water also attracts them, so maybe your neighbors are good about dumping containers with water and changing bird feeder water.
Steve
11:57 am on Friday, August 31, 2012
I think Lakewood should BAN all mosquitos, like they did with pitbulls. This is in the interest of Public Safety. Please city council and Mayor, save US all again from these dastardly insects, that have No right to be here...