Health officials warn of elevated West Nile Virus risk in Henrico

Officials from the Richmond and Henrico Health Districts are alerting Henrico County residents to an increased risk of West Nile Virus transmission, after at least half of the mosquitoes caught in county mosquito traps during the past two weeks tested positive for the virus.

The traps are managed by Henrico County’s Department of Public Works’ Vector Surveillance and Control Division.

No recent human cases have been documented locally, but health officials said the results signal a higher-than-normal risk of transmission.

A trap site is considered positive if even one mosquito in the collection pool tests positive. Henrico and RHHD consider 50% or more of sites testing positive for two consecutive weeks as an elevated threshold for risk.

What to know about WNV

West Nile Virus is the most common mosquito-borne illness in Virginia. People contract it through bites from infected mosquitoes, not through contact with other people or animals, or by consuming infected animals.

Most people experience mild or no symptoms. However, those 55 and older and individuals with chronic health conditions such as cancer or kidney disease are more vulnerable to serious illness, which can result in long-term complications or even death.

Symptoms may include:

• fever;
• headache;
• body aches;
• vomiting or diarrhea;
• rash (in up to half of cases)

There is currently no vaccine for WNV in humans, making prevention the best defense.

How to protect yourself

Officials recommend residents take precautions, particularly during peak mosquito activity between dusk and dawn:

• wear long sleeves and pants outdoors to limit exposed skin;
• use EPA-registered insect repellent (for children, products should contain no more than 30% DEET, and repellents should not be used on babies under two months);
• keep doors and windows closed or ensure screens are intact.

Reducing mosquito habitats at home

Because mosquitoes breed in standing water, residents are urged to regularly check their property for potential sources:

• dump water weekly from containers such as buckets, flowerpot trays, bird baths, or tires;
• refresh and rinse water in ponds, wading pools, or pet dishes;
• store items like boats and buckets upside down;
• treat undrainable water sources with larvicide dunks as directed.

Henrico residents also may request free property inspections to identify mosquito breeding sites and receive prevention advice.

For details about mosquito-borne illnesses, visit the Virginia Department of Health’s website.