Mosquitoes Test Positive for West Nile Virus

[CMF Newsman]

A pool of mosquitoes in Hamilton County has tested positive for West Nile Virus, according to on-going mosquito surveillance conducted by the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Health Department. This is evidence that West Nile Virus is present in our community. The Health Department reminds everyone to protect themselves against mosquito bites and to remove potential mosquito habitats from their property. Mosquito season will continue through late October.

"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," said Bonnie Deakins, director of Environmental Health Services at the Health Department.

The WNV positive mosquito pool came from Sector 5 which includes zip codes 37302, 37315, 37363 (south of I-75), and 37412. Since the Health Department has confirmed the presence of West Nile Virus in sector 5, the Health Department will no longer be accepting birds from Sector 5 for WNV testing.

www.chattanoogan.com/articles/article_135475.asp

[RuneDeer]

I know this isn't funny, but the subject header gave me this mental picture of the mosquitoes sitting on those tacky vinyl chairs in the waiting room at the Health Department, thumbing through old magazines, waiting to be called for their blood tests.

[el Gusano]

Here's a question: We haven't had any birds this far north with WNV, but we have plenty of skeeters. Should we be concerned?

I know the official government line, but when AIDS first hit, the official government line was that it couldn't be spread by blood transfusions or anything other than homo intercourse.

[gridbug]

Here's a question: We haven't had any birds this far north with WNV, but we have plenty of skeeters. Should we be concerned?

That's a trick question, isn't it? I thought the mosquito IS the Alaskan state bird.

[el Gusano]

Sept 22, 2008 16:02:55 GMT -5 @gridbug said:

That's a trick question, isn't it? I thought the mosquito IS the Alaskan state bird.

Yes, and so far, none of them have WNV. Also, none of them migrate. Plenty to feed on here.

[LimitedRecourse]

It's my understanding that West Nile Virus is transmitted among birds that encounter one another during migration. The mosquitos feast on infected birds who then pass the virus on to humans.

Never could understand why this works fro one virus and not another.

[Tsavodiner]

Are you experimenting with cross-species virology AGAIN?

[Warkitty]

He was practicing animal husbandry, till someone caught him at it one day