RICHMOND, Va. -- A probable case of the West Nile Virus has been reported in Richmond, the Richmond City Health District confirms to CBS 6.
City health officials say the probable case is in an "older adult" resident of the city.
"RCHD is unable to confirm, at this time, whether the infection was acquired within the city limits but it is a reminder that we are still in the Mosquito season," said RCHD spokesperson Fernando Rodriguez.
The easiest and best way to avoid West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne disease is to prevent them from biting, health officials said.
The Virginia Department of Health recommends that residents take precautions to avoid mosquito bites as that is "the most effective way to avoid getting sick from viruses spread by mosquito bites."
The VDH says other preventive measures include:
- Discarding all open containers in the yard that may have stagnant water where mosquitoes breed.
- Using EPA-registered insect repellents.
- Wearing long sleeved shirts and long pants especially in the evenings.
- Keeping mosquitoes outside by using air conditioning, or window and door screens.
- Sleeping under mosquito bed nets when one is unable to protect self from mosquitoes inside the home or hotel.
Stay with CBS 6 for the latest on this developing story.
Read more about West Nile Virus symptoms here.
