The nights may be getting cooler and soon summer will turn to fall, but mosquitoes are still a concern.
Cases of West Nile virus, often spread by mosquitoes, continue to be on the rise around the country and Ohio and West Virginia have reported cases of their own. Locally, officials want property owners and residents to do their part to reduce the mosquito population and we urge readers to take that request seriously.
West Nile virus can be a serious health issue as some communities in Texas and elsewhere have learned first hand. In some places, hundreds of people have been sickened and many have died. Nationwide, more than 2,600 cases of the disease have been reported and more then 100 people have died. No cases have been reported in Washington County, but local officials still want people to reduce the risk by reducing exposure to mosquitoes:
These steps are important because mosquitoes breed in pools of water.
Officials say it's also important to use insect repellent when outside, especially at dusk.
We urge readers to follow these steps in an effort to reduce the risk of West Nile virus for themselves and the community at large.
