Update, August 22, 2025
Summit County Public Health (SCPH) set a mosquito trap within the City of Stow, which came back positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). It is not uncommon for mosquitoes caught in traps to test positive for the virus.
Here is the location and date:
- Trap 326 set on 8/5/25 at dead end of Songbird Trail (this is scheduled for spraying on 8.25.25)
Most people who become infected with WNV do not have any symptoms. About one in five people who become infected develop a fever with other symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. Less than 1 percent of infected people develop a serious neurologic illness, such as encephalitis or meningitis (inflammation of the brain or surrounding tissues).
SCPH recommends avoiding mosquitoes and mosquito bites by doing the following:
- Use insect repellents when you go outdoors.
- Apply repellents on exposed skin that are registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). EPA-registered insect repellents are proven safe and effective, even for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
- Wear clothing treated with permethrin or another EPA-registered repellent for extra protection.
- Take extra care to use repellents from dusk to dawn.
- Wear light-colored clothing, long-sleeved shirts or jackets and long pants to protect against mosquito bites.
- Consider avoiding outdoor activities during peak mosquito biting hours.
- Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in an unscreened structure.
The spray schedule and maps of where we plan to spray can be found at the following link: https://www.scph.org/pest-control/mosquito-spray-schedule
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Update, August 15, 2025
West Nile Virus Detected in Mosquito Traps in Stow
Summit County Public Health (SCPH) has confirmed that mosquito traps set at various locations in the City of Stow have tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). While it is not uncommon for mosquitoes in Summit County to test positive for WNV during the summer months, residents are encouraged to take precautions to protect themselves from mosquito bites.
Positive Trap Locations and Dates:
- Trap 326 – Set on July 28, 2025, at the dead end of Songbird Trail
- Trap 323 – Set on July 30, 2025, at Mission Baptist Temple back parking lot off Kent Rd.
- Trap 328 – Set on July 30, 2025, at 5080 Stow Rd. (Sprayed on August 7, 2025)
- Trap 330 – Set on July 30, 2025, in the wooded area at the corner of Alpha Parkway and Allen Rd.
About West Nile Virus:
Most individuals infected with WNV will not show symptoms. About 1 in 5 may develop fever, headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. In rare cases (less than 1%), serious neurological illnesses such as encephalitis or meningitis can occur.
Prevention Tips from SCPH:
Residents can reduce their risk of mosquito bites and potential WNV infection by:
- Using insect repellents registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
- Wearing long-sleeved shirts, jackets, long pants, and light-colored clothing.
- Treating clothing with permethrin or other EPA-registered repellents.
- Taking extra precautions from dusk to dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
- Avoiding outdoor activities during peak mosquito biting hours when possible.
- Using mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in unscreened structures.
Mosquito Control Efforts:
Due to a higher-than-usual number of positive mosquito traps across Ohio this year, SCPH may not be able to spray all affected areas. However, targeted larviciding is being conducted, especially near positive trap sites. West Nile Virus is considered endemic to Summit County, and SCPH does not conduct public notifications for every detection.
Spray schedules and maps of planned spray locations can be found here: https://www.scph.org/pest-control/mosquito-spray-schedule
For More Information:
Residents with questions may contact Summit County Public Health directly or visit the SCPH website for additional mosquito control resources.
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Update, August 4, 2025
Summit County Public Health has released the mosquito spray schedule and maps of the areas to be sprayed this week. Stow is scheduled for Thursday, August 7th.
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Update, July 28, 2025
Summit County Public Health has released the mosquito spray schedule and maps of the areas to be sprayed this week. Stow is scheduled for July 31st.
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This message is to notify you that Summit County Public Health (SCPH) set mosquito traps near the hike and bike trail parking lot on Springdale Rd on July 8, 2025 and near Silver Springs Cemetery on Stow Rd on 7/10/25. Mosquitoes in these traps tested positive for the West Nile Virus (WNV). It is not uncommon for mosquitoes caught in traps to test positive for the virus.
Most people who become infected with WNV do not have any symptoms. About one in five people who become infected develop a fever with other symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. Less than 1 percent of infected people develop a serious neurologic illness, such as encephalitis or meningitis (inflammation of the brain or surrounding tissues).
SCPH recommends avoiding mosquitoes and mosquito bites by doing the following:
- Use insect repellents when you go outdoors.
- Apply repellents on exposed skin that are registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). EPA-registered insect repellents are proven safe and effective, even for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
- Wear clothing treated with permethrin or another EPA-registered repellent for extra protection.
- Take extra care to use repellents from dusk to dawn.
- Wear light-colored clothing, long-sleeved shirts or jackets and long pants to protect against mosquito bites.
- Consider avoiding outdoor activities during peak mosquito biting hours.
- Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in an unscreened structure.
Because this trap was positive for the virus, SCPH will be spraying a one mile radius around this trap site in the coming weeks.
The spray schedule and maps of where we plan to spray can be found at the following link: https://www.scph.org/pest-control/mosquito-spray-schedule
SCPH does not conduct public notifications when West Nile Virus is detected in an area. West Nile Virus is endemic to Summit County and detecting the virus during our trapping activities is a common occurrence.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact scochrane@schd.org.