News Release
Stark County Health Department
July 30, 2008
Contact: William Franks, Health Commissioner
Positive West Nile Mosquito Pool Identified in Stark County
The Ohio Department of Health has confirmed that a mosquito pool from Stark County has tested positive for West Nile Virus. The positive tests came from mosquitoes collected at Richville Park in Perry Township on 6/23/08. This is the fifth positive pool in Ohio this year. There have been no positive human cases reported in Stark County this year.
The Health Department plans to aggressively concentrate their mosquito control efforts in the Richville area over the next week. Increased surveillance to find and treat standing water; additional spraying; expanded trapping and testing of mosquitoes will be taking place.
Although the incidence of West Nile Virus has been lower in Ohio than in previous years, the disease can have serious consequences. Residents are advised to protect themselves and their families when going out in the evenings or out into wooded areas. Wear long sleeves, long pants and light colors. Where appropriate, the use of mosquito repellants may be required when the directions on the label are followed.
For further information on West Nile or on mosquito control log onto the Stark County Health Department website at www.starkhealth.org. Inquiries may be made at 330-493-9904.
NEWS RELEASE
2/21/2007
CONTACT: WILLIAM J. FRANKS, MPH
HEALTH COMMISSIONER
EPA Director’s Recommendation on Countywide Landfill
The Stark County Health Department is expecting the EPA Director’s recommendation today regarding Countywide Landfill. The Board of Health will take this recommendation under advisement tomorrow at their monthly Board of Health meeting. This Board meeting is not a hearing on the landfill and there will be no public discussion of the matter nor a decision made by the Board of Health at that time.
If the Director recommends action be taken to deny the license, then the Stark County Health Department procedures will be enacted and due process followed to assure a fair and impartial decision. These procedures may take a minimum of two months to comply with applicable state laws. The Health Commissioner states that there will be ample opportunity for the public to provide input during the hearing process.
