Health officials are swarming a stinging — possibly fatal — foe in an unprecedented collaboration.

        The South West Area Regional Mosquito (SWARM) Task Force of 12 Greater Cincinnati agencies has come together just as the weather is warming and recent rains have left plenty of the small pools and puddles from which mosquito eggs hatch.

        Bug experts expect a bumper crop of the little stingers.

        Dr. Jim Olson, one of the nation's top mosquito experts who operates a lab at the Texas Agriculture Experiment Station, said Texas has already seen an increase and Cincinnati can expect the same soon.

        “I call it instant mosquitoes,” he said. “Just add water and wait 10 days. Wherever the water puddled up, particularly where it's grassy, it's probably now serving as a nursery for mosquitoes. Mosquito eggs can survive up to three years without water and then hatch out when they're covered with water.”

        SWARM includes representatives from the health departments in Hamilton, Butler, Warren and Clermont counties, the Northern Kentucky Independent Health Department and several cities.

        The main threat being addressed by SWARM, according to Hamilton County Health Commissioner Tim Ingram, is the West Nile Virus.

        “We're now planning our surveillance regarding WNV,” Mr. Ingram said. “West Nile hasn't shown up in Ohio or Kentucky so far, but there's not much doubt that it will.”

        West Nile Virus, spread by mosquitoes who bite infected birds, causes encephalitis, a swelling of the brain; and while most infections are mild, WNV can result in death.

        Swatting, however, will soon be on the rise.

        Thomas Rambo, a professor of biological science at Northern Kentucky University, said the mosquito problem will increase rapidly because local temperatures are rising and the nights will be warmer.

        “Mosquito activity has been down because it's been cool,” he said. “But we'll start seeing more mosquitoes in a week or so. The eggs hatch in about three days after being laid, or if they have been dormant and then are reintroduced to water. In less than two weeks you have adult mosquitoes out looking for a blood meal.”

        Cincinnati Health Commissioner Dr. Malcolm Adcock said his department, like others across the country, regularly issues bulletins explaining what to do to help prevent the spread of mosquitoes.

        “It's mostly common sense,” he said. “Don't have anything in the yard that holds standing water, like an empty can or lid or a plate under a plant. If you have a bird bath, change the water daily. Obviously, there are a lot of areas where people won't be able to fill in low spots that now have standing water.”

        Dr. Adcock said people can minimize mosquito bites by wearing appropriate clothing, especially light colored clothing and long sleeves.

        “Repellants are good to use, but you should pay attention and follow the proper directions,” he said.

        The most effective mosquito repellants contain diethyl tolumide — known as DEET — as the active ingredient. Health officials recommend that parents avoid using formulations with concentrations greater than 15 percent on small children. Pediatric repellent formulas for small children are widely available.

        Whenever possible, the repellent should be applied to clothing rather than skin.

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