Tag: west nile

West Nile virus detected in Nashville mosquitoes for first time in 2026

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black mosquito on person s skin

Health officials in Nashville are urging residents to protect themselves from mosquito bites after West Nile virus was detected in mosquitoes for the first time this year. The Metro Public Health Department (MPHD) announced the virus was found in a mosquito pool collected near Cass Street in North Nashville, marking the city’s first detection of West Nile virus in 2026 and the earliest positive mosquito sample of the season. The detection comes after health officials reported elevated West Nile virus activity in mosquito pools during 2025, when one human case of the virus was confirmed. “We can all play a role in reducing the presence of mosquitoes in our community, making our outdoor areas both more pleasant and safer from mosquito-borne diseases like West Nile virus,” Dr. Sanmi Areola, director of health at the Metro Public Health Department, said in a statement to Fox 17.

As our team educates those in the area where West Nile virus was found, we hope the rest of our community does what they can to protect themselves and their families from mosquitoes this summer.” According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, West Nile virus is the leading mosquito-borne disease in the United States. Most people infected with the virus do not develop symptoms, but about one in five experience fever, headaches, body aches, vomiting, diarrhea or a rash. Fewer than 1% develop a serious neurological illness that can affect the brain or spinal cord, with older adults and people with weakened immune systems facing the greatest risk. Public health officials routinely trap and test mosquitoes throughout the summer to monitor for West Nile virus activity.

A positive mosquito sample does not necessarily mean people in the area will become infected, but it serves as an early warning that the virus is circulating locally. In response to the positive test, MPHD said crews are distributing educational flyers in the affected neighborhood, increasing mosquito trapping, monitoring standing water and applying larvicide where needed to help reduce mosquito populations. The department said it does not spray insecticide to kill adult mosquitoes. Residents can also request a free backyard inspection from the department’s Pest Management team to identify areas where mosquitoes may be breeding. Health officials recommend eliminating standing water from bird baths, flowerpots, buckets, old tires, children’s toys and other outdoor containers where mosquitoes lay eggs. Trimming overgrown vegetation around homes can also help reduce mosquito activity.

To help prevent mosquito bites, the health department recommends using EPA-approved insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus, wearing long sleeves and pants outdoors during peak mosquito hours around dusk and dawn, and making sure window and door screens are in good repair. Officials said reducing mosquito breeding around homes can help lower the risk of West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne illnesses throughout the community.

Source: West Nile virus detected in Nashville mosquitoes for first time in 2026 | Fox News

If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it.
Luke 9:24

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Second bird tests positive for West Nile virus in Ventura County

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close up of mosquito on human skin

For the second time this year, public health staff said a bird in Ventura County tested positive for West Nile virus. The Ventura County Environmental Health Division announced the discovery on Tuesday after receiving confirmation from the California Department of Public Health. County staff said they expect more positive cases to emerge throughout this year’s mosquito season.  Public health officials said they located both birds in the City of Ventura. The first was found on May 12, and the second was located more than two weeks later, on May 28.  Ventura County staff said they will inspect and treat mosquito breeding sources surrounding the area where they found the infected bird. 

They asked residents to take the following steps to minimize exposure to West Nile virus: 

  • Eliminate all standing water sources from your property.
  • Ensure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens without holes.
  • When outdoors, wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts and limit activity, especially at dawn and dusk.
  • Use an EPA-approved insect repellent containing Picaridin, DEET, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (or PMD), or IR3535.

Ventura County Public Health confirmed that there have been no human cases of West Nile virus so far this year.

Source: Second bird tests positive for West Nile virus in Ventura County – CBS Los Angeles

Jesus said to her, “Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?”
John 11:40

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Bird tests positive for West Nile Virus in Ventura County, according to health officials

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close up of mosquito biting human skin

Ventura County health officials on Tuesday confirmed that a local bird tested positive for West Nile Virus earlier in May.  In a news release shared by the Ventura County Environmental Health Division, officials said they received confirmation from the California Department of Public Health that a bird collected on May 12 from Ventura had tested positive for the virus.  “WNV is established in Ventura County and additional WNV positives are expected,” the release said. “This is the first detection of WNV activity this year in Ventura County.” To date, there have been no human cases of the virus reported. 

As part of the investigation, health officials said they would monitor for mosquito breeding sites in the area where the bird was collected and provide treatment if evidence of breeding was found.  In order to limit exposure to West Nile Virus, health officials offered several pieces of advice, including: eliminating standing water on property making sure that doors and windows have tight-fitted screens without holes wearing long pants and long-sleeved shirts when outdoors, especially at dawn and dusk use Environmental Protection Agency-approved insect repellent containing Picaridin, DEET, Oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535.

West Nile Virus can affect humans and animals, like horses, the agency said. Earlier in May, officials advised the public that rising temperatures paired with increased rainfall would lead to peak mosquito season. They warned of the Aedes aegypti mosquito, otherwise known as an “ankle biter” mosquito, which is aggressive during the daytime and nighttime and can transmit viruses like dengue, Zika, Chikungunya and yellow fever.  Officials said that anyone wishing to report mosquitoes or breeding sources in Ventura County should call the mosquito complaint hotline at 805-658-4310. 

Source: Bird tests positive for West Nile Virus in Ventura County, according to health officials – CBS Los Angeles

For I have satiated the weary soul, and I have replenished every sorrowful soul.
Jeremiah 31:25

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