COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Columbus Public Health Department on Wednesday announced that two pools of mosquitoes collected tested positive for West Nile Virus.

The results were the first reports of West Nile Virus found in the city limits this season.

According to the health department, the positive pools were collected from the southern and northeastern regions of the city, located in ZIP Codes 43211 and 43207.  Both areas were recently fogged for mosquito control.

"These positive results are a reminder of the importance of taking precautions to protect ourselves from mosquito exposure," said LeMaile-Williams, the medical director and assistant health commissioner of Columbus.  "Residents can protect themselves by using insect repellant, wearing protective clothing at dawn or dusk, repairing window screens, and eliminating standing water such as bird baths and baby pools where mosquitoes lay eggs."

Earlier this season, West Nile Virus was detected in mosquito pools in Cuyahoga and Franklin County.  Columbus recorded no human cases in 2007 and one case in 2006, according to the health department.

Ohio has recorded human cases of West Nile Virus each year since 2002 when there were 441 cases.

Health department officials said that most people who are infected with West Nile Virus won't experience any illness. Those 50 years old and older have a higher chance of getting sick and are more likely to develop serious symptoms when infected with West Nile Virus.

Recent data also indicates that those with diabetes and/or hypertension are at greatest risk for serious illness.

Symptoms of West Nile Virus are similar to the flu, including fever, headache, body aches, skin rash and swollen glands.  People with these symptoms should consult their doctor.

West Nile Virus is transmitted to humans and animals through a mosquito bite. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds.

LeMaile-Williams said that dead adult crows or blue jays should immediately be reported to 311 or 614-645-3111 with the location, date and time, only if the birds have been dead for less than 24 hours.  All other dead birds should be double bagged and thrown in the trash, she said.

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