GET INVOLVED
Hamilton County health officials ask that local residents call 209-8110 to report dead crows, blue jays or robins in areas other than Sector 4 or 5 and to report mosquito-breeding areas. Call the mosquito hot line at 209-8117 to request spraying.
REDUCING MOSQUITO HABITATS
* Tip out barrels, buckets, wheelbarrows and children's wading pools.
* Change water in birdbaths and animal bowls at least once a week.
* Get rid of used tires or drill holes in them for draining.
* Clean garden ponds.
* Recycle old bottles, buckets and cans.
* Clean leaf-clogged gutters.
* Empty water from flower pot dishes and saucers.
* Dump water offtarps and plastic sheeting.
* Repair leaky outdoor faucets.
* Cover rain barrels with mosquito screens.
Source: Chattanooga-Hamilton County Health Department
Ongoing mosquito surveillance this year has identified West Nile virus among a second pool of mosquitoes in Hamilton County.
The West Nile virus-positive mosquito pool came from Sector 5, which includes ZIP codes 37302, 37315, 37353, 37363 (south of Interstate 75), 37412 and 37421, according to a news release from the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Health Department.
West Nile virus is spread by the bites of mosquitoes that can get the virus from biting infected birds. Mosquito season continues through the end of October, declining as temperatures drop.
No human cases have been identified in Hamilton County this year, according to the release.
In early August the season's only other positive mosquito pool was detected in Sector 4, which includes ZIP codes 37350, 37402, 37403, 37404, 37406, 37407, 37408, 37409, 37410, 37411, 37419 and 37450.
Bonnie Deakins, director of environmental health services at the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Health Department, said residents of Hamilton County should continue to apply mosquito repellent and get rid of standing water on their property to give mosquitos fewer places to lay their eggs.
Most people infected with West Nile virus will have no symptoms, but some develop serious symptoms including high fever, headache, neck stiffness, disorientation, coma and paralysis.
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