Page 6 - Dresden Buzz 08/22/2025
P. 6
PAGE 6 | LOCAL NEWS AUGUST 22 - SEPTEMBER 4, 2025
Two events planned for West Nile Virus HEALTH & WELLNESS
Overdose Awareness Week detected in Safe Cleaning
by Lynette Dotson Muskingum Practices for a
County
mosquitoes Healthier Home
by Alexus Masterson, MPH,
submitted Family & Consumer Sciences Educator
Ohio State University Extension,
The Zanesville–Muskingum County Muskingum County
Health Department has been notified
by the Ohio Department of Health lab
today that mosquitoes collected from
traps set on Mannsfork Road in Duncan
Falls and Cass Street in Dresden tested Keeping your home clean is es-
positive for West Nile Virus. At this time sential for maintaining a healthy envi-
no human cases have been reported in ronment, but it’s just as important to
Muskingum County. clean safely. Many household cleaning
Most people infected with West Nile products contain chemicals that can be
Virus do not develop any symptoms. harmful if used improperly. To protect
Specifically, about 80% of infected in- your health and the well-being of your
dividuals experience no symptoms at family, start by reading product labels
all. The remaining 20% may experience carefully. Always follow the instructions,
Monica Batteiger Family Advocate Zanesville- Muskingum County Health Department works the Narcan mild symptoms that can include head- paying close attention to warnings, prop-
booth at the Muskingum County Fair. Information about upcoming Overdose Awareness events, helpful ache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, er usage, and storage guidelines. One
resources, and free Narcan were provided to anyone who needed them. Lynette Dotson diarrhea, or rash. Most people will re- of the most important safety rules is to
cover completely within a few weeks. never mix cleaning products. Combining
The Zanesville-Muskingum County “August the 25th we’re doing a Com- Symptoms of fatigue and weakness substances like bleach and ammonia
Health Department and Drug Free munity Education Awareness event may last for a few weeks or months. A can create toxic gases, and even mixing
Muskingum are hosting two events dur- at the Health Department,” stated very small percentage (less than 1%) de- vinegar with bleach can be dangerous.
ing Overdose Awareness Week. Monica Batteiger, Family Advocate velop severe illness, which may include Stick to one product at a time unless the
Zanesville- Muskingum County Health encephalitis on meningitis. If you expe- label specifically says it’s safe to com-
Department. “We are inviting all of our rience these symptoms contact your bine. Doing research on what products
community for education awareness for medical provider for possible testing. are safe to mix, after reading the labels
prevention. So we have a lot of people We ask that residents protect them- is important in making sure that harm-
coming as far as vendors. We have a selves from West Nile virus by taking the ful reactions don’t occur.
big bounce house. There will be free following precautions: When using strong cleaners, wear
food, hot dog meals. We have a DJ. We • Avoid outdoor activities between protective gear such as gloves, and
have the selfie 360 and we have a lot of dusk and dawn when mosquitoes consider a mask if you’re working with
things. So we made our own little aware- are likely to be biting. sprays or powders. Make sure the area
ness coloring book this year that we’ll • When weather permits, wear socks, is well-ventilated by opening windows or
be giving everybody. 200 gift bags. So long pants, and long-sleeves when using fans. Choosing safer alternatives
all of our gift bags this year will contain outdoors. can also reduce risk, look for products
Narcan.” • Use mosquito repellants containing labeled non-toxic, biodegradable, or
“On the [August] 31st we will do our DEET. fragrance-free, especially if someone
Memorial Ceremony traditional at the • Remove standing water where in your household has sensitivities. You
courthouse. We’re doing pavers this mosquitoes can lay eggs. can also make simple cleaners at home
year so we’re paving our way to aware- The Health Department will be spe- using ingredients like baking soda, vin-
ness. So each family member will get cifically spraying the areas where the egar, and lemon juice, but never mix
a free paver to decorate in memory of positive mosquito pools occurred. If you these with commercial cleaners.
their loved one.” said Batteiger. “We will live in Muskingum County and would Proper storage is another key to
place those down around our fence as like to request spraying for your neigh- safety. Keep all cleaning supplies in
like a patio type of once they’re sealed borhood, call the Health Department at their original containers, locked away
and ready to go.” 740.454.9741, extension 300 and reg- from children and pets, and separate
“It’s a good time for awareness and ister your request on the mosquito voice from food storage areas. When clean-
prevention,” Batteiger stated. mailbox. View areas already treated at ing, start with dry methods like dusting
The first event on August 25 will kick www.zmchd.org/services/mosquito- and vacuuming before using wet clean-
off Overdose Awareness week. It will be control. ers. This reduces the amount of product
held from 6 to 8 PM at 205 N. 7th St., For information: call 740-454-9741 or needed and improves effectiveness. For
Zanesville. The second will be held on visit www.zmchd.org. disinfecting, focus on high-touch sur-
August 31 at 2 PM at the Muskingum faces like doorknobs, light switches, and
countertops. Use EPA-approved disinfec-
County Courthouse (27 N 5th Street). tants and allow them to sit for the rec-
For more information visitzmchd.org/ ommended time before wiping.
Events. Safe cleaning isn’t just about a
sparkling home, it’s about protecting
your family’s health. By following these
ADVERTISE IN THE DRESDEN BUZZ. 740-270-2408 tips, you can reduce exposure to harmful
chemicals and create a safer, healthier
living environment.
New surgeon joins Genesis HealthCare System
submitted
Genesis HealthCare System is pleased Laboratory, where he contributed to
to welcome Thomas Grant Lewis, D.O., breast cancer receptor studies and
to the Genesis Center of Surgical Excel- mentored student researchers in lab
lence, specializing in general surgery. techniques and scientific analysis.
Dr. Lewis is a graduate of Kentucky Col- Dr. Lewis is accepting new patients
lege of Osteopathic Medicine, Pikeville, at the Genesis Center of Surgical Excel-
Kentucky, where he earned his doctor of lence, 2916 Vangader Drive, Zanesville.
osteopathic medicine degree. He com- Patients can schedule appointments by
pleted a general surgery residency at calling 740-453-0661. More informa-
McLaren Greater Lansing and served tion can be found at genesishcs.org by
as Chief Resident from 2023 to 2024. searching Dr. Lewis.
Since 2019, he has been an adjunct pro-
fessor of surgery at Michigan State Uni-
versity College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Dr. Lewis conducted cancer research
at the Wood Hudson Cancer Research
