TOLEDO, Ohio - The Toledo Lucas County Health Department has confirmed the first human case of West Nile Virus in Lucas County.
A 41-year-old woman has been hospitalized and is currently being treated. Health Commissioner Eric Zgodzinski says that mosquito borne illnesses are still a danger.
"Although we're getting closer to the end of summer, you can still be at risk of getting West Nile virus or other mosquito borne diseases," Zgodzinski says. "It's important for everyone to continue taking precautions such as wearing insect repellent."
Most people infected with West Nile virus have no symptoms of illness and nevery become ill.
Illness may occur 3-15 days after an infected mosquito bite and cause symptoms of fever, headache and body aches. The disease can affect those of all ages, but people over 50 and those with a chronic disease may be at increased risk for serious complications.
Zgodzinski says you can help prevent the spread of West Nile by taking precautions like removing standing water around your home, using mosquito repellant between dusk and dawn and wearing loose fitting clothing, and repairing or replacing torn screens on doors and windows.