NORFOLK, Va. — A mosquito in the Larchmont-Edgewater neighborhood of Norfolk tested positive for West Nile virus last week, according to a release from the city's department of public health.
As a result, the Division of Vector Control is treating storm drains and standing water in the neighborhood and continuing to monitor.
People bitten by a mosquito infected with West Nile virus typically do not become symptomatic; those that do have fever, head/body aches, vomiting, or diarrhea. Serious illness from West Nile virus is rare, the department said.
About one in 10 people who become seriously ill can die from the disease.
The department advises residents in the area to conduct the following measures to prevent infection from West Nile and other mosquito-borne illnesses:
- Avoid mosquito bites by using insect repellents when outdoors in mosquito-infested areas. Always ensure that you follow directions on the label.
- Wear clothing that is long, light, and loose.
- Home doors and windows should be well-screened to prevent entry of mosquitoes.
- It is important to eliminate mosquito breeding sites from yards by removing old tires, buckets, tubs, toys, and other items that hold rainwater. Dump ornamental containers (e.g., bird baths) on a weekly basis, or use mosquito larvicide pellets or dunks periodically to treat larger containers (e.g., ornamental ponds, stagnant swimming pools).
- Clean roof gutters and downspout screens.
