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Mosquito abatement reports 12 West Nile‑positive samples; officials urge precautions
Summary
The Mosquito Abatement District reported a series of West Nile virus detections in Barberton; officials said crews have sprayed affected areas and urged residents to remove standing water and take precautions.
Barberton officials and the Mosquito Abatement District reported Monday that West Nile virus has been detected in mosquito samples collected at multiple city locations this summer, and they urged residents to take standard precautions.
Council members said Andy Dobbins of the Mosquito Abatement District told them the district has confirmed 12 mosquito pools positive for West Nile virus at Barberton locations, including Oakwood Street (July 11), East Tuscawaras (noted as "East Tustee Extension," July 3 and July 11), South Van Buren (June 20 and June 27), Morgan Street (June 12 and June 27), and Hillsdale Avenue (July 11). Dobbins said when the district finds the virus they spray the area as a control measure.
At the Environmental Health and Social Services committee, members and staff emphasized common preventive steps: remove standing water (bird baths, containers), wear protective clothing outdoors at dawn and dusk, and consider using fans on patios as a practical deterrent to mosquitoes. The committee noted that Barberton had submitted a high number of samples for testing; staff said Barberton had turned in the highest number of mosquitoes for testing in the state so far this year.
No new municipal ordinance or appropriation was adopted at the meeting; the discussion was advisory and informational. Officials pointed residents to the Mosquito Abatement District’s website and social‑media pages for updates and to Stark County Public Health for confirmed findings.
What’s next: Mosquito Abatement District crews will continue surveillance and localized spraying where positive mosquito pools are detected; residents are asked to remove standing water and follow District guidance.
