Suffolk, Va. – Officials say they’ve tested mosquitoes in several Suffolk neighborhoods and found the insects tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis and West Nile Virus.
Mosquitoes collected in the Lake Kennedy neighborhood tested positive for both Eastern Equine Encephalitis and West Nile Virus.
Mosquitoes in Suburban Woods, Regency Estates, Wonderland Forest, Rivercliff, Arbor Meadows, Dayle Acres, Pughsville, Bennett’s Harbor, Kilby Shores, Kempton Park, Pitchkettle Point, Princeview Point, and Olde Mill Creek as well as neighborhoods around Lamb Avenue, Hosier Road, Clay Hill Road, Leesville, and Whaleyville tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis.
The Suffolk Department of Public Works is urging citizens to take action to protect themselves when participating in outdoor activities. City crews are also ramping up efforts to spray around the area and to treat standing water.
Eastern Equine Encephalitis is a rare human disease that affects 5-10 humans per year in the U.S. The illness starts with flu-like symptoms and could progress into disorientation, seizures and inflammation of the brain.
No human cases have ever been reported in Suffolk, but officials say the disease is common among horses.
Those infected with the West Nile Virus may also exhibit flu-like symptoms. Many people show no symptoms at all. A rash may appear on the chest, stomach and back.
For more information call 757-514-7609.
If you would like to get a free mosquito dunk, Suffolk citizens can get them from fire stations 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, Suffolk Municipal Building (441 Market Street), Public Works Administration Building (440 Market Street) and the East Suffolk Recreation Center.
