West Nile detected in Green Township mosquitoes; health officials plan larvicide and outreach

West Nile virus was detected in a mosquito sample collected July 30 in Green Township, marking Hamilton County Public Health's first local detection this year; there are no confirmed or probable human cases in the health department's jurisdiction. Beginning Thursday, environmental health specialists will treat standing water in the affected area with larvicide and may visit residents. Officials urge residents to Drain, Dunk, Protect to reduce mosquito populations: drain standing water, dunk larvicide where water cannot be drained, and protect by avoiding outdoor activity at dusk and dawn and using repellent. The health department's jurisdiction does not include Cincinnati, Norwood or Springdale.