NASHVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – A batch of mosquitoes collected by the Metro Public Health Department’s Pest Management Division has tested positive for West Nile virus.

According to the department, the mosquitoes were trapped in North Nashville near the intersection of Buchanan Street and D.B. Todd Blvd.

The Health Department’s Pest Management staff visited the neighborhood Wednesday morning to pass out mosquito protection and prevention educational materials and monitor standing water looking for mosquito larvae. Staff will apply a granular larvicide to any areas where mosquito larvae are present.

Staff began trapping mosquitoes in all parts of Davidson County the first week in May. Health Department staff sends the mosquitoes to the Tennessee Department of Health’s lab for testing.

Health officials have no plans to spray to kill adult mosquitoes.

According to the Health Department, most people infected with West Nile virus will have no symptoms. About 1 in 5 people who are infected will develop a fever with other symptoms. Less than 1% of infected people develop a serious, sometimes fatal, neurological illness.

The Health Department recommends taking the following steps to protect against biting mosquitoes, including:

• Limit time outdoors at dusk and nighttime hours when mosquitoes are present.
• If you must be outdoors then wear a mosquito repellent that is approved for use by the CDC – those include products that contain DEET, Picaridin, and Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus.
• Wear shoes, socks, long sleeve shirts and pants when outdoors during dusk to dawn when mosquitoes are most prevalent. Clothing should be light colored and made of tightly woven materials to keep mosquitoes away from the skin. Pant legs should be tucked into shoes or socks, and collars should be buttoned.
• Make sure your windows and doors have screens and are in good repair.
• Health Department officials recommend taking steps to reduce mosquito breeding areas. This includes:

• 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 (mosquito hiding areas).