08/29/2026
News Release - 08/26/2026
Tuscarawas County Health Department Reports First Positive Mosquito Sample with La Crosse Virus & Third Positive Mosquito Sample with West Nile Virus for 2026
DOVER, OH—The Tuscarawas County Health Department (TCHD) was notified today (8/26/26) that a mosquito sample has tested positive for La Crosse virus (LACv) at the Ohio Department of Health Laboratory. This is the first mosquito sample of 2026 collected in Tuscarawas County to test positive for LACv. In addition, a third mosquito sample collected in Tuscarawas County has tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV).
The positive La Crosse mosquito sample was collected by TCHD staff on July 30, near the intersection of Ault Road and Tabor Ridge Road NE in Fairfield Township. The positive WNV mosquito sample was collected on July 30, in the Somerdale area near State Route 212 in Fairfield Township. In response to these positive test results, the health department will conduct mosquito spraying in accordance with best practice recommendations. Spraying will take place within a two-mile radius of the Somerdale area near State Route 212 and within a two-mile radius of the intersection of Ault Road and Tabor Ridge Road NE in Fairfield Township. Mosquito spraying is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 29, between 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. In the event of inclement weather, spraying will be postponed.
Persons with respiratory problems should take appropriate actions to remain indoors while spraying is occurring. The Tuscarawas County Health Department accepts requests for no-spray areas from all residents. To submit a no-spray request, please contact the TCHD Bureau of Environmental Health Services by phone at (330) 343-5550 or by email at [email protected].
“There is no need for alarm, but these positive mosquito samples are an important reminder that mosquito-borne illnesses remain a concern during the summer months,” said Katie Seward, MPH, MBA, Tuscarawas County Health Commissioner. “Residents can take simple steps to protect themselves and their families by using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants when practical, and eliminating standing water around their homes. We encourage residents to remain vigilant, take precautions to prevent mosquito bites, and contact their healthcare provider if they have questions or develop symptoms of a mosquito-borne illness.”
La Crosse Virus Disease (LACv)
La Crosse virus disease can be spread to people by the bite of an infected Aedes triseriatus (Eastern tree hole) mosquito. Tree hole mosquitoes are active during the day and most commonly found in wooded or forested areas and are less common in open areas. They prefer to lay eggs in pools of water found in tree holes but will also lay eggs in man-made water-holding containers, particularly discarded tires. Their eggs can survive through the winter in dry conditions and become active when exposed to water in spring. The females most often feed on the blood of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Main hosts for this mosquito are the eastern chipmunk, the gray squirrel, and fox squirrels.
Symptoms of La Crosse Virus
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), many people infected with the La Crosse virus have no apparent symptoms. For those who do, symptoms typically begin five to 15 days after a mosquito bite and include nonspecific symptoms such as the following:
• Fever.
• Headache.
• Nausea.
• Vomiting.
• Lethargy.
Severe disease most often occurs among children less than 16 years old and is characterized by:
• Seizures.
• Coma.
• Paralysis.
• A variety of neurologic complications after recovery.
Death from infection with the La Crosse virus is rare and occurs in less than 1% of cases. There is currently no vaccine to prevent La Crosse virus infection and no specific medication to treat the disease. The best way to reduce your risk is to prevent mosquito bites.
West Nile Virus (WNV)
West Nile virus is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the continental United States. It is most commonly spread to people through the bite of an infected Culex pipiens (Northern house) mosquito. WNV cases typically occur during mosquito season, which begins in the summer and continues through the fall.
There is currently no vaccine to prevent WNV infection and no specific medication to treat WNV in people. Fortunately, most people infected with WNV do not develop symptoms. However, some people can develop a serious illness, particularly older adults and people with certain medical conditions. Taking steps to prevent mosquito bites is the best way to reduce your risk of infection.
Symptoms of West Nile Virus
Most people (8 out of 10) infected with West Nile virus do not develop any symptoms. Febrile illness (fever) is experienced by some people. About 1 in 5 people who are infected develop a fever with other symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. Most people with febrile illness due to West Nile virus recover completely, but fatigue and weakness can last for weeks or months. Rarely, some people can develop severe illness from West Nile virus infection that can cause neurologic illness resulting in hospitalization or death. The risk of severe illness from West Nile virus infection is higher in older adults, people with chronic medical conditions, and people with weakened immune systems.
Prevention
Knowing mosquitoes that carry La Crosse Virus and West Nile Virus are active in the Tuscarawas County community, TCHD officials encourage residents to follow these guidelines from the Ohio Department of Health to take an active part in reducing the mosquito population:
• Use insect repellent when you go outdoors. When weather permits, wear long sleeves, long pants, and socks. Mosquitoes may bite through thin clothing, so spraying clothes with repellent will provide extra protection.
• Follow these tips to reduce mosquito activity in and around your property: install or repair screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes outside; use your air conditioning, if you have it; and help reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home by emptying standing water from flowerpots, gutters, buckets, pool covers, pet water dishes, discarded tires and birdbaths at least every three days. Fill tree holes with dirt, sand, or a pliable insulation cement to prevent mosquito breeding.
For more details about the mosquito control program at the Tuscarawas County Health Department, please visit https://www.tchdnow.org/mosquito-control.html or call (330) 343-5550.
