West Nile-infected mosquito found in Carey

UPPER SANDUSKY — A third sample of mosquitos has tested positive for West Nile Virus in Wyandot County. The sample was taken from the Carey Wastewater Treatment plant on Aug. 27, and tested positive Sept. 24. A release from Wyandot County Health Department reports two other samples from the same testing area also tested positive earlier this year. Wyandot County public information officer Callan McMillion reports the finding is not completely unexpected, but is a good reminder of how important monitoring and controlling mosquito populations can be for public health. A human case of the virus was found in the county in 2024, but has not been reported in Wyandot County this year. Hancock County Public Health reported a human case of West Nile virus in August. Hancock County Director of Environmental Health Joshua Niese said a Hancock County resident sought medical attention for symptoms and after testing, was confirmed to have the virus. The resident received treatment and was expected to make a full recovery. The Wyandot County Public Health Department is currently offering free mosquito dunks to prevent mosquito breeding near residences. These dunks are "donut-shaped," McMillion said and can be put in potential breeding grounds that cannot be emptied but also said yard items like birdbaths, kiddy pools, rain gauges or other stagnant water sources that can be emptied should be dumped out between uses. To help prevent mosquito bites, Wyandot County Public Health recommends wearing long sleeves and pants, using repellent containing 30% or more DEET, drain items that may collect water, check for and empty other sites near a residence where mosquitos may breed. More information about the virus may be found at www.wyandothealth.com or by calling 715-294-3852.