Officials with the Metro Public Health Department are reporting a human West Nile virus (WNV) case in an individual from Davidson County. Health officials note the individual is expected to recover from the illness.

Image/francok35
Image/francok35

In addition, batches of mosquitoes collected from 13 locations have tested positive for WNV.

The Health Department’s Pest Management staff will visit areas in the coming week to pass out mosquito protection and prevention educational materials and monitor standing water looking for mosquito larvae.  Staff will apply a granular larvicide to any areas where mosquito larvae are present. There are no plans to spray at this time.

The Health Department recommends taking the following steps to protect against biting mosquitoes, including:

  • Limit time outdoors at dusk and nighttime hours when mosquitoes are present.
  • If you must be outdoors then wear a mosquito repellent that is approved for use by the CDC – those include products that contain DEET, Picaridin, and Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus.
  • Wear shoes, socks, long sleeve shirts and pants when outdoors during dusk to dawn when mosquitoes are most prevalent.  Clothing should be light colored and made of tightly woven materials to keep mosquitoes away from the skin.  Pant legs should be tucked into shoes or socks, and collars should be buttoned.
  • Make sure your windows and doors have screens and are in good repair.

Health Department officials recommend taking steps to reduce mosquito breeding areas.  This includes:

  • Reduce or eliminate all standing water in your yard – especially in children’s toys, bird baths, clogged gutters, tires, flowerpots, trashcans, and wheelbarrows.
  • Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with Gambusia fish.
  • Apply mosquito dunks in standing water areas on your property.
  • Cut back overgrown vegetation (mosquito hiding areas).

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