News Summary
The Knox County Health Department has confirmed cases of West Nile Virus in local mosquito populations in East Knoxville. In response, pesticide spraying will occur Wednesday evening to mitigate the risk of transmission to humans. Residents in affected areas are advised to stay indoors and take preventive measures to combat mosquito bites, especially as the region experiences an increased mosquito population. The health department emphasizes non-toxic treatment and ongoing monitoring during the mosquito season.
Knoxville – The Knox County Health Department (KCHD) has confirmed the detection of West Nile Virus (WNV) in local mosquito populations. This finding was reported Monday afternoon following routine surveillance conducted in the Milligan Street area of East Knoxville.
In response to this finding, KCHD plans to conduct pesticide spraying in the affected area on Wednesday, June 25, between the hours of 8 p.m. and 10 p.m., depending on weather conditions. The primary goal of the spraying is to diminish the mosquito population and mitigate the risk of the virus spreading to human residents.
Residents in the affected area are advised to remain indoors during the spraying. It is also recommended that pets be kept inside or in secure backyards during this time to ensure their safety. KCHD officials have emphasized that the spray is non-toxic to children and pets, and spraying is scheduled for evening hours to minimize potential harm to pollinators.
This latest confirmation adds to the increased concern for public health as, prior to this discovery, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported three human cases of West Nile Virus across Tennessee, with one case identified in Knox County. WNV is known to be transmitted to humans through bites from infected mosquitoes. While many individuals who contract the virus may remain asymptomatic, some could exhibit symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, or rash. Severe illness from West Nile Virus is uncommon, but it remains a significant worry for older adults and people with weakened immune systems.
KCHD has recommended several precautionary measures to help reduce the risk of contracting West Nile Virus. These measures include using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants when outdoors, and ensuring that any standing water in outdoor areas is drained. The presence of stagnant water provides ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes, thus facilitating the spread of mosquito-borne diseases.
The areas designated for treatment during the upcoming spraying session include N Cherry Street, Summit Avenue, Turner Street, Nichols Avenue, Mundy Street, Washington Avenue, Jefferson Avenue, N Harrison Street, Rutherford Avenue, Woodbine Avenue, E Fifth Avenue, N Hembree Street, Milligan Street, N Elmwood Street, N Castle Street, N Mary Street, Manor Drive, N Beaman Street, Ace Miller Way, Crawford Avenue, Lakeside Street, Kirkwood Street, Hampton Avenue, and Knoxville Zoo Drive. Residents located in these areas should remain vigilant and take recommended precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
For beekeepers or individuals looking to avoid exposure to the spray, KCHD has provided an option to reach out to their environmental health program at 865-215-5200 for guidance. This ongoing effort reflects KCHD’s proactive approach to controlling mosquito populations and testing for mosquito-borne diseases regularly during the mosquito season, which spans from early spring to fall.
The warm weather and increased humidity typical of this time of year contribute significantly to the mosquito population, elevating the risks associated with West Nile Virus and other mosquito-related illnesses such as malaria. As part of their ongoing effort, KCHD will continue to set traps throughout the county to monitor for mosquito-borne diseases and initiate further spraying if WNV-positive mosquitoes are detected again.
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Additional Resources
- WATE: Mosquito Spraying Scheduled in East Knoxville
- Wikipedia: West Nile Virus
- WBIR: KCHD West Nile Virus in Mosquitoes
- Google Search: West Nile Virus Mosquito Spraying Knoxville
- Knox News: West Nile Virus Found in Mosquitoes
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mosquito
- WSMV: CDC Reports West Nile Virus Case in Knox County
- Google News: West Nile Virus Knoxville
