Mosquitoes infected with West Nile virus found in Mahoning County, health department says

Mosquitoes infected with the West Nile virus have been found in Mahoning County, health officials said Wednesday.

Mahoning County Public Health said in an email release that the virus was detected in mosquitoes caught in a surveillance trap in the county. The infected mosquitoes were found in Yellow Creek Park in Struthers, WKBN reported.

The West Nile virus is detected and reported throughout northeast Ohio yearly, but no human cases of the virus have been reported in Mahoning County this year, the release states.

The health department recommends the following tips to avoid mosquito bites:

• If you are outdoors between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active, wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, shoes and socks.

• Light colors are least attractive to mosquitoes.

• Use insect repellent and follow the label directions.

The health department also recommends the following tips to eliminate mosquito breeding sites near your home:

• Remove water-holding containers, such as tin cans and unused flowerpots.

• Eliminate standing water.

• Make sure all roof gutters are properly draining and clean.

• Keep children’s wading pools empty and on their sides when they are not being used.