( Cincinnati ) The Hamilton County Public Health department is reporting the county’s first two human cases of West Nile Virus. Both cases are identified as coming from the Western side of Hamilton County.

“West Nile Virus is here to stay and we already knew mosquitoes in Hamilton County were carrying the virus,” according to Hamilton County Health Commissioner, Tim Ingram. “Because humans only become infected when bitten by an infected mosquito, it is important that we all take action to protect ourselves and our property from mosquitoes,” Ingram adds.

When WNV-positive mosquitoes or human cases are identified, Hamilton County Public Health staff canvas a half-mile radius in the area to advise residents about steps they can take to reduce the mosquito population and prevent mosquito bites, including the DRAIN, DUNK and PROTECT method:

DRAIN

•             Look for and drain sources of standing water on your property – litter, tires, buckets, flower pots, wading pools and similar items that could create standing water and become mosquito breeding sites.

•             Frequently change water in bird baths and pet bowls.

•             Drain small puddles after heavy rainstorms.

DUNK

•             Apply mosquito larvicide, sometimes called mosquito “dunks,” to areas of standing water that cannot be drained. The “dunks” are environmentally safe and won’t harm pets. You can purchase them at your local hardware store.

PROTECT

•             Cut your grass and trim shrubbery.

•             Make sure screens in windows and doors are tight-fitting and free from defects.

•             Wear long sleeves and pants during peak mosquito hours – dawn and dusk.

•             Use an EPA-registered insect repellent such as those containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Always follow the directions on the package.