Mosquito pool tests positive for West Nile virus in Tuscarawas County

The Tuscarawas County Health Department announced on Wednesday that a pool of mosquitoes has tested positive for the West Nile virus.

The pool, located at 11067 Fort Laurens Road in Bolivar, was collected on July 20. The Health Department will be conducting mosquito spraying in Bolivar this Thursday, weather permitting.

There will be further mosquito spraying in Bolivar two weeks after the initial spray.

West Nile virus (WNV) 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 mosquito.

While most people who contract the West Nile virus do not typically experience symptoms, about one in five 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 the West Nile virus recover completely, but fatigue and weakness can last for weeks or months, according to the Health Department.