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Mosquitos in Hamilton County Test Positive for West Nile Virus

CHATTANOOGA (WRCB) - The Chattanooga-Hamilton County Health Department says a pool of mosquitoes in Hamilton County has tested positive for West Nile Virus. 

The WNV positive mosquito pool came from Sector 5, which includes zip codes 37302, 37315, 37353, 37363 (south of Interstate-75), 37412 and 37421.

This is the second WNV positive mosquito pool detected found this mosquito season. The first positive pool was collected early August from Sector 4, which includes zip codes 37350, 37402, 37403 37404, 37406, 37407, 37408, 37409, 37410, 37411, 37419 and 37450.

"Although we have had no reported human cases of West Nile Virus in Hamilton County, it's important that people take steps to protect themselves," said Bonnie Deakins, Director of Environmental Health Services at the Health Department.

Mosquito season will continue through late October. As temperatures drop so does mosquito activity.

Tips for reducing habitat and preparing the home:

• Tip out barrels, buckets, wheelbarrows and children's wading pools
• Change water in birdbaths and animal bowls at least once a week
• Get rid of used tires or drill holes in them for draining
• Clean garden ponds
• Recycle old bottles, buckets and cans
• Clean leaf-clogged gutters
• Empty water from flower pot dishes and saucers
• Dump water off of tarps and plastic sheeting
• Repair leaky outdoor faucets
• Cover rain barrels with mosquito screens

Tips to protect yourself:

• Reduce outdoor activity from dusk to dawn, which is the peak biting time for many species of mosquitoes
• Use insect repellents that contain DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus
• Wear protective clothing when working or playing outdoors such as long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks
• Keep windows and doors closed or cover them with screens to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home