Three in TN test positive for West Nile virus

Three people in Tennessee have tested positive for West Nile virus as of Thursday afternoon, according to the Tennessee Department of Health.

One case is in East Tennessee and two are in West Tennessee. Department Spokesperson Bill Christian said because of HIPPA regulations he could not be more specific about where the cases were discovered, other than to say one was identified as being in Shelby County by the Shelby County Health Department.

The Tennessean reported earlier this week that a batch of mosquitoes collected by the Metro Public Health Department’s Pest Management Division in East Nashville tested positive for West Nile virus.

The batch was trapped near the intersection of East Trinity Lane and Gallatin Pike, spokesman Brian Todd said Wednesday.

This is the sixth time this year mosquitoes in Nashville have tested positive for West Nile. In all, 10 batches have tested positive in the city for 2015, Todd said.

The pest management staff will continue to trap mosquitoes in all parts of Davidson County and conduct surveillance of standing water and apply larvicide when mosquito larvae are present, according to Todd. There are no plans to spray to kill adult mosquitoes, he said.

The city and state health departments said people can reduce their chances of exposure to the virus by following these tips:

Limit time outdoors at dusk and night.

Use insect repellents such as DEET, Picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535 on your skin.

Wear socks, long-sleeved shirts and pants.

Remove items from your yard that collect water. Clean clogged gutters.

Keep wading pools empty when not in use and store them on their sides.

Replace water in birdbaths weekly and don't allow water to stand in buckets or barrels.

Do not use perfume, cologne or other scented products such as deodorant, soap or lotion if you're going outside, as fragrances may attract mosquitoes.

Anyone seeking more information about mosquito control in Davidson County may call 615-340-5660. Information is also available at the health department's website, www.health.nashville.gov.