80-year-old Hamilton Co. man dies of West Nile Virus

CINCINNATI - An 80-year-old Hamilton County man died Tuesday from complications of West Nile Virus, according to information from Hamilton County Public Health.

The man’s identity or place of residence have not yet been released and officials have not yet said how long the man had West Nile Virus.

“We at Hamilton County Public Health express our deepest sympathy to the family of the second Hamilton County resident to succumb to complications from West Nile Virus,” Health Commissioner Tim Ingram said in a news release. “While this is certainly a tragedy, it can also serve as an important reminder to take every precaution to prevent mosquito bites.”

The man is the second Hamilton County resident, and the third Ohioan to die of West Nile-related causes this year. A 76-year-old Hamilton County man died in August. Ohio has recorded 79 human cases of West Nile Virus and 1,172 positive mosquito samples.

West Nile Virus is a viral disease affecting the central nervous system that can be transmitted to humans by mosquitoes. People who are bitten by an infected mosquito will never become sick, according to information from Hamilton County Public Health. Symptoms may develop two to 15 days after someone is bitten by an infected mosquito and include fever, headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea or rash.

While all residents of areas where virus activity has been identified are at risk, people older than 50 years old and those with compromised immune systems have the highest risk of developing severe West Nile Virus infections. Anyone experiencing any of these symptoms should contact their healthcare provider for evaluation.

For more information on West Nile Virus, contact Hamilton County Public Health at (513) 946-7800 or visit them online at www.HamiltonCountyHealth.org .

Officials have not released any additional details at this time.

Stay with 9 News and WCPO.com for updates as they become available.