In the summer of 2016, Zika virus cases were in the national news. On August 2, 2016, the county health department told WV MetroNews that the mosquitoes that spread Zika had not been found in West Virginia. The state had some Zika cases, but all were in people who had traveled elsewhere.
The health department said other mosquito-borne illnesses were the real local concern. It named La Crosse encephalitis and meningitis. It was working with the state Bureau for Public Health to test mosquitoes for Zika.
Suggestions to cut the risk
- Get rid of standing water around the home and yard. Examples include birdbaths, old tires, flower pots and wading pools.
- Keep gutters clean so water flows.
- Drill holes in the bottom of garbage cans and recycling bins so water does not collect.
- Outdoors, and mainly in the evening, wear long sleeves, long pants and loose-fitting clothes.
- Use insect repellent.
- Call a health care provider without delay if a mosquito bite causes problems.
In October 2016, the county health department and the Putnam County Health Department found a pool of mosquitoes that tested positive for West Nile virus. Health officials said most people who are infected with West Nile virus have no symptoms. Symptoms can include body aches, rash, diarrhea, headache, joint pain or vomiting. People with severe symptoms, such as confusion, fever with a stiff neck, muscle weakness or seizures, were told to contact a health care provider.
This information is from 2016. It is kept here as a record and is not current advice. Check current guidance from the CDC or your doctor.