CINCINNATI — Hamilton County Public Health has confirmed the first human case of West Nile virus in the tri-state area. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed the case on Monday. The resident of Sycamore Township is thought to have contracted the virus through a local mosquito bite. After seeking medical attention, the individual has recovered at home.
Hamilton County Public Health has been monitoring mosquito pools and has reported positive West Nile virus tests in several locations. This is the first case of human infection, which was most likely acquired locally.
Jeremy Hessel, Director of Environmental Health at Hamilton County Public Health, previously addressed the virus’s risk factors. “So I would say if you are an immune compromised, older adults those are the people that should be concerned about mosquitoes and mosquito borne illnesses,” Hessel told me.
In response to the confirmed case, local authorities are treating standing water and implementing measures to reduce the number of potentially infected mosquitos. The final human case in Hamilton County was reported in 2023.
While West Nile virus symptoms can be mild, they can also result in serious complications like brain swelling and even death. Hessel advised, “Those are peak biting times, so you may be aware that you need to stay inside,” referring to dusk and dawn as periods of increased mosquito activity.
