Virginia Department of Health Reports West Nile Virus Cases

August 28, 2018

(Richmond, Va.) – The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) advises citizens that the summer heat this week is a reminder that mosquito season is still here. VDH has received reports of WNV from multiple regions of the state for a combined total of 12 human cases in 2018.

These cases serve as a reminder that WNV is present throughout Virginia. The most effective way to avoid WNV and other mosquito-borne disease is to prevent mosquito bites.

Prevention strategies include the following:

Use Insect Repellent: When used as directed, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents are proven safe and effective, even for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Use an EPA-registered insect repellent with one of the following active ingredients:

  • DEET
  • Picaridin
  • IR3535
  • Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE)
  • Para-menthane-diol (PMD)
  • 2-undecanone

Cover up: Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.

Keep mosquitoes outside:
Use air conditioning, or window and door screens. If you are not able to protect yourself from mosquitoes inside your home or hotel, sleep under a mosquito bed net.

Eliminate mosquito breeding habitats: Tip, toss, and cover items that hold water, such as tires, buckets, planters, toys, pools, birdbaths, flowerpots, or trash containers at least once a week.