Mosquito pool positive for West Nile Virus found

KANAWHA COUNTY, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- The Kanawha-Charleston Health Department and the Putnam County Health Department have found a mosquito pool positive for West Nile Virus.

“West Nile virus, like other mosquito-borne diseases, can cause symptoms that include body aches, body rash, diarrhea, headaches, joint pains or vomiting,” according to Dr. Michael Brumage, health officer.

Anyone with symptoms that cause concern should contact his or her health care provider, especially if the symptoms are severe, such as confusion, fever with a stiff neck or muscle weakness or seizures.

According to a release, most individuals exposed to West Nile virus develop no symptoms.

“You can significantly reduce the number of mosquitos around your home by eliminating potential places for standing water where mosquitos love to breed,” according to Stanley Mills, environmental services director.

Mills said abandoned tires, bird baths, flower pots and wading pools are havens for mosquito breeding.

“Don’t forget to keep gutters clean and flowing and drill holes into the bottom of garbage cans or recycling containers to prevent water from pooling and stagnating,” Mills said.

Mills offered the following points to avoid mosquito bites:

When outdoors, wear long sleeves and long pants and use insect repellant.

Avoid peak mosquito hours — typically dawn and dusk.

Remove water from all standing water around your home.