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Sep 02, 2023

Mosquitoes test positive for West Nile virus in Knox County

KNOX CO. – For the first time this year, area mosquitoes have tested positive for the West Nile Virus, according to the Knox County Health Department. West Nile Virus is a disease spread through

KNOX CO. – For the first time this year, area mosquitoes have tested positive for the West Nile Virus, according to the Knox County Health Department.

West Nile Virus is a disease spread through mosquito bites.

West Nile virus (WNV) is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the continental United States. It is most commonly spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito. Cases of the virus occur during mosquito season, which starts in the summer and continues through fall. There are no vaccines to prevent or medications to treat the virus in people.

Fortunately, most people infected with the virus do not feel sick. About one in five people who are infected develop a fever and other symptoms. About one out of 150 infected people develop a serious, sometimes fatal, illness.

You can reduce your risk of the virus by using insect repellent and wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants to prevent mosquito bites.

Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents with one of the active ingredients below. When used as directed, EPA-registered insect repellents are proven safe and effective, even for pregnant and breastfeeding women.

Find the right insect repellent for you by using EPA’s search tool.