Officials Report Increased Activity of West Nile Virus in Virginia Beach

VIRGINIA BEACH, Virginia – Virginia Beach Mosquito Control and the Virginia Beach Public Health Department have reported an increase in West Nile virus mosquito activity in Virginia Beach over the last three weeks.

Officials have conducted weekly tests throughout the city since June. Some of the mosquitoes that were collected and tested for West Nile virus were tested positive.

Positive results were found in the following neighborhoods: Kings Grant, Witchduck, Pembroke, Lakeview Shores, Diamond Lake Estate, Thalia, PA Plaza, Chesapeake Beach, Green Run, Bayside, Larkspur Meadows, Bow Creek, Lamplight Manor, Windsor Woods, Lake James, Aragona Village and Bay Colony.

Residents are encouraged to discard any containers that may collect and retain rainwater, as these areas may be a preferred breeding ground for mosquitoes.

The main vector of West Nile virus in our region is Cx. pipiens / restuans, which breed in waters rich in organic matter.

Mosquito control will focus on stagnant water where mosquitoes can breed. The teams are treating stagnant water in the affected areas and spraying efforts are multiplying. Drainage crews clean clogged ditches and remove debris from drainage pipes to ensure continuous movement of water, thereby reducing the number of breeding sites.

West Nile virus is an uncommon viral disease that spreads to birds, humans and other mammals through the bite of infected mosquitoes. People infected with West Nile virus have no symptoms, but may have mild influenza-like symptoms. A small number of infected people develop more serious neurological disorders.

The Virginia Beach Department of Public Health advises residents and visitors to take the necessary precautions to avoid mosquitoes:

• Wear long, loose, light colored clothing.
• Use insect repellents approved by the EPA. Not more than 50% of DEET for adults and less than 30% of DEET for children. Be careful when applying repellents on children. Follow all instructions on the label.
• Flip or remove the containers in your garden where rainwater accumulates, such as plant pans, buckets and toys.
• Clean bird baths and wading pools weekly.
• Check mosquito nets on windows and doors to prevent mosquitoes from entering the house.