ODH Urges Precautions to Prevent Mosquito-borne Diseases

COLUMBUS, OHIO – Ohio’s first two human cases of West Nile virus in 2015 have been reported in a 34-year-old Cuyahoga County man with a febrile illness (fever), and a 77-year-old Hamilton County man with encephalitis. Ohio reported 11 human cases of West Nile virus in 2014.

The primary way people get West Nile virus is through the bite of an infected mosquito. Most people who become infected with West Nile virus do not have any symptoms. About one in five people who become infected develop a fever with other symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. Less than 1 percent of infected people develop a serious neurologic illness, such as encephalitis or meningitis (inflammation of the brain or surrounding tissues).

“Ohio’s wet summer has caused standing water in many areas of Ohio, and mosquitoes breed and multiply in such water,” said ODH Medical Director Dr. Mary DiOrio. “Ohioans should take reasonable precautions to avoid mosquito bites and eliminate potential mosquito breeding sites.”

Here are some tips to avoid mosquito bites:

• If you are outdoors between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active, be sure to wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, shoes and socks.
• Wear light-colored clothing, which is less attractive to mosquitoes.
• Use EPA-registered mosquito repellent and follow the label directions.
• Install or repair screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out of your home.

Here are some tips to eliminate mosquito breeding sites around your home:

• Eliminate standing water.
• Empty or remove water-holding containers, such as buckets, unused flower pots and bird baths.
• Make sure all roof gutters are clean and draining properly.
• Keep child wading pools empty and on their sides when not being used.

Learn more about mosquitoes and West Nile virus on the ODH website at www.odh.ohio.gov/wnv.

Air Force Airman Austin L. Ernst graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas.

Ernst completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills. Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

Ernst is the son of Diane and Steve Ernst of Milford, Ohio.

He is a 2014 graduate of Milford High School, Milford, Ohio.

Loveland, Ohio – Councilwoman, Paulette Leeper has not answered two email inquiries from Loveland Magazine asking if she will seek re-election this fall, and after Tuesday’s council meeting she remained tight-lipped. She was asked this time in person, however she would not say if she is running or not. She did say she has taken out a petition from the Board of Elections, but would not answer if she has begun collecting signatures.

Incumbents, Mark Fitzgerald, and Angie Settle have told Loveland Magazine they are in the running to keep their council seats in the November 3 election.

Former council member, Todd Osborne has declared on a Facebook page he manages, that he is in the running.

Leeper’s term also ends in November.

There are three seats open on Loveland City Council this Fall. Nominating petitions of candidates must be filed by 4 PM on August 5.

Former candidate Barry Kuhn told Loveland Magazine in late June that he is considering another try, however waiting till the “eleventh hour” to see what the competition might be like.

The Kroger Co. said today it is recalling Kroger Ground Cinnamon, Kroger Garlic Powder, Kroger Coarse Ground Black Pepper and Kroger Bac’n Buds sold in its retail stores due to possible contamination from Salmonella.

A sample of Kroger Garlic Powder from a store in North Augusta, South Carolina was tested by the FDA and found to be contaminated with Salmonella. To date, no illnesses have been reported in connection with these products. Out of an abundance of caution, the company has recalled all four seasonings produced on the same equipment in the same facility.

Stores under the following names in the 31 states where Kroger operates are included in this recall: Kroger, Ralphs, Food 4 Less, Foods Co., Fred Meyer, Fry’s, King Soopers, City Market, Smith’s, Dillons, Baker’s, Gerbes, Jay C, Ruler Foods, Pay Less, Owen’s, and Scott’s.

Kroger has removed the potentially affected items from store shelves and initiated its customer recall notification system that alerts customers who may have purchased recalled Class 1 products through register receipt tape messages and phone calls.

Kroger is recalling the following items:

Customers who have purchased the above products should not consume them and should return them to a store for a full refund or replacement.