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Program Background
 A zoonotic
disease is a disease which can be transmitted from animals to
humans. The disease may or may not produce clinical illness in the
animal. The Health Department helps to prevent the transmission of
diseases from animals to humans. This page includes
information about animal bites, rabies, West Nile Virus and Lyme
Disease.
Zoonotic diseases
include:
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Those
which can be transmitted directly from animals
to humans
(e.g. rabies)
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Diseases
that can be acquired indirectly by humans through ingestion,
inhalation or contact with infected animal products, soil,
water, or other environmental surfaces which have been
contaminated with animal waste or a dead animal (e.g.
leptospirosis, anthrax)
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Vector-borne diseases which require a mosquito or other
arthropod to transmit the disease from animals to humans
(e.g. St. Louis encephalitis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever,
West Nile virus) |
Animal Bites
To report an
animal bite, call the Health Department at 419-228-4457 between the
hours of 8:00 am and 4:30 pm. Ask to speak with someone in our
Environmental Division.
Rabies
Bedbugs
The common bedbug
is a wingless, red-brown insect, about the size of an apple seed as
an adult. Bedbugs emerge at night to feed on human blood.
They do not carry any known diseases. While some people hardly know
they are bitten, others develop painful swellings similar to flea or
mosquito bites that may itch for up to 2 weeks. Bedbugs are
increasingly common today. We work with individuals and
organizations to help them get rid of bedbug problems. Most often a
professional pest control specialist is needed to solve the problem.
West Nile Virus
West Nile Virus has now established
itself in Ohio after first being detected here in 2001. West Nile
Virus activity has been documented in all 88 counties of Ohio. The
virus has been migrating east since first discovered in New York
City during 1999. The virus has been found in birds, mosquitoes,
horses and humans from Canada to Florida and as far west as
California. More information can be found below and at:
Because West Nile Virus can lead to serious
illness, it is best to protect yourself from mosquito bites. Below
is a list of protective measures and ways to reduce mosquito
breeding.
Signs and symptoms of a mosquito borne
infection are slight fever, body aches, headache, and sometimes skin
rash or swollen lymph glands. A very small number of people will
suffer from a severe infection that is marked by rapid onset of high
fever, a severe headache, neck stiffness, nausea or vomiting,
confusion, muscle weakness or paralysis, seizures, coma and rarely
death. Persons over 50 years old are more vulnerable to West Nile
Virus.
Protect Yourself from
Mosquito Bites
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Wear
light-colored, long-sleeved shirts or jackets, and long
slacks |
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Avoid mosquito-infested areas or stay indoors when mosquitoes are most active, during the early morning and evening hours |
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Put 16 mesh screens on all doors and windows and keep them in good repair |
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Consider the use of mosquito repellant. Sprays and lotions are the most commonly available. Use repellants sparingly and in the weakest concentration that does the job, especially on children. Read and follow all label directions on whatever product you choose |
Reduce Mosquito
Breeding
Standing water is an ideal mosquito breeding ground. Mosquitoes will develop in any puddle that lasts for more than four days.
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Watch for shady areas where water collects – old tires, plastic containers, clogged roof gutters, swimming pool or hot tub covers, under swing sets, tarps covering cars or boats |
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Empty birdbaths and fill with fresh water at least once a week |
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Turn over plastic wading pools when not in use |
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Aerate
ornamental pools or stock them with fish |
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Clean and chlorinate swimming pools that are not being used |
Lyme
Disease and other diseases from Ticks
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