A second batch of mosquitoes has tested positive for West Nile virus, according to those with the Metro Public Health Department.
Officials said the mosquitoes were collected by the Department’s Pest Management Division over the past week.
They were captured in a Goodlettsville neighborhood near the intersection of Gallatin Pike and West Monticello Avenue.
Those with the health department have planned to revisit the areas to set additional traps. They will also be monitoring areas of standing water and using larvicide if mosquito larvae are found.
Authorities said there have been no plans to spray.
Earlier in June, the health department began trapping mosquitoes to be tested at the Tennessee Department of Health’s lab.
The following list of steps was provided by health officials to protect against biting mosquitoes:
- 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).
Those with the health department said they trap mosquitoes in all parts of Davidson County.
No human cases of the virus have been reported.
Anyone wanting more information can call 615-340-5660 or visit them online by clicking here.
