Mosquitoes caught in Southeast Nashville test positive for West Nile Virus, no human cases reported

A batch of mosquitos trapped by Metro Public Health tested positive for West Nile Virus.

Pest management staff captured the mosquitoes at a trap near the intersection of Bell Road and Anderson Road in Southeast Nashville.

There have been no human cases reported, according to a release from Metro Nashville Health Department.

MNHD sent fliers to residences in the impacted areas with steps to protect against biting mosquitoes.

Reducing standing water in yards, children's toys, bird baths and clogged gutters helps prevent mosquitoes.

Additional traps will be set in the area with monitoring of standing water. MNHD does not spray to kill adult mosquitoes.

Traps were initially set it in May and then sent to be tested by the Tennessee Department of Health's lab.

Here are steps to reduce mosquito breeding areas:

• Reduce or eliminate all standing water in your yard, especially in children’s toys, bird baths, clogged gutters, tires, flowerpots, trashcans, and wheelbarrows.
• Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with Gambusia fish.
• Apply mosquito dunks in standing water areas on your property.
• Cut back overgrown vegetation where mosquitoes can hide.

Health officials recommend talking these step to protect against biting mosquitoes:

• Limit time outdoors at dusk and nighttime hours.
• Wear mosquito repellent that is approved by the Center for Disease Control, including DEET, Picaridin, and Oil and Lemon Eucalyptus.
• Wear shoes, socks, long sleeve shirts and pants when outdoors from dusk to dawn.
• Make sure you windows and doors have screeds and in good repair.

Reach reporter Craig Shoup by email at [email protected] and on Twitter @Craig_Shoup. To support his work, sign up for a digital subscription to www.tennessean.com.