DAYTON, Ohio — Public Health - Dayton and Montgomery County discovered a mosquito that tested positive for West Nile virus.

The mosquito was trapped in the City of Vandalia. 

What You Need To Know

  • Public Health said in a news release it is not uncommon for mosquitos to test positive for West Nile virus
  • Public Health will spray the area surrounding the Vandalia Rec Center at dusk on Tuesday with Duet
  • Duet is an adulticide mosquito control product
  • There have been no reported human cases of West Nile virus in 2023; there were three reported in 2022

Public Health said in a news release it is not uncommon for mosquitos to test positive for West Nile virus, but uses its program to educate about the diseases the insects may carry. Public Health will spray the area surrounding the Vandalia Rec Center at dusk on Tuesday with Duet.

Duet is an adulticide mosquito control product, which the EPA has evaluated and determined when used according to label guidelines it does not pose a significant risk to people or animals. People and animals near the area being sprayed can be outdoors as the mist will dissipate between five and 30 minutes. The spray is not corrosive and does not stain.

The spray helps reduce the adult mosquito population.

While there have been no reported human cases of West Nile virus in 2023, there were three reported in 2022. West Nile is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the U.S. cases occur during mosquito season, from summer to fall. 

There are no vaccines to prevent, or medications to treat, West Nile but most infected people do not feel sick. About one in five people infected develop a fever and symptoms. About one in 150 develop a serious illness. 

To prevent mosquito bites, use EPA-approved repellent containing DEET, wear long sleeves, long pants and shoes and socks when out after dusk and keep screens repaired.

Removing standing water from yards helps prevent mosquitos too.

Click here for more information.