SPRINGFIELD – Sanitarians for the Clark County Combined Health District have found the Aedes albopictus mosquito in Springfield and elsewhere in Clark County. This mosquito may transmit Zika virus, although it has not been implicated in the transmission of human cases in Ohio.

The sanitarians have been working with the Ohio Department of Health since June to trap mosquitoes. Two or three times a week, traps are set in various areas of Clark County. The mosquitoes are sent to ODH to be identified and tested for West Nile. This specific mosquito has been identified in two locations in Green Township and three locations in the city of Springfield.

It remains important to protect against mosquitoes until the first freeze.

The best way to avoid Zika virus infection and other mosquito-borne diseases is to prevent mosquito bites:

When outdoors, wear Environmental Protection Agency registered insect repellents. All EPA registered insect repellents have been evaluated for effectiveness. Always follow the product label instructions.

Unlike many mosquitoes, the Asian tiger mosquitoes are most active during the day and are most common in shady conditions. Be sure to use insect repellent and wear long sleeves and pants where these mosquitoes are active.

Have good screens on windows and doors.

Yellow fever mosquitoes and Asian tiger mosquitoes are both container-breeding mosquitoes. They do not breed in ponds, puddles or marshes. Remove their breeding sites by emptying standing water from flower pots, buckets and barrels. Change the water in pet dishes, and replace the water in bird baths every other day. Drill holes in tire swings so water drains. Keep children’s wading pools empty and on their sides when they aren’t being used.

For more information contact the Clark County Health District at 937-390-5600 or visit www.ccchd.com.