A pool of mosquitos in Hamilton County has tested positive for the West Nile virus, local health officials said Wednesday.
The infected mosquito pool was found in sector five, which includes ZIP codes 37302, 37315, 37353, 37363 (south of Interstate 75), 37412 and 37421.
“Although we have had no reported human cases of West Nile virus in Hamilton County, it’s more important than ever that people take steps to protect themselves,” Bonnie Deakins, director of environmental health services at the health department, said in a release.
Most people who become infected by West Nile virus show no symptoms but some develop serious symptoms including high fever, headache, neck stiffness, disorientation, coma and paralysis, the release said.
Mosquitoes with West Nile virus contract the disease from birds and can then spread it to humans.
To report a dead crow or blue jay – often the main carriers of the virus – in areas other than Sector 5 of Hamilton County, residents should call the health department at 209-8110.
Mosquitos lay their eggs in standing water, so health officials recommend emptying barrels and buckets filled with water that can attract mosquitos, cleaning garden pools and leaf-clogged gutters, repairing leaky outdoor faucets and changing water in birdbaths.