West Nile virus spreading in Shelby Co. | Environment

(WMC-TV) – Shelby County health officials announced Monday they've found mosquitoes infected with the West Nile Virus in three additional zip codes, including 38128.

A bite from an infected mosquito can make humans sick. Symptoms of the virus include fever, headaches and body aches that last for a few days. The illness is typically mild, but that’s not always the case.

“Symptoms of severe disease include a high fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma or convulsions,” according to a county health department official. “Persons over age 50 and those with compromised immune systems are at higher risk of severe disease. They should especially be careful to avoid mosquito bites.”

In an effort to kill mosquitoes before they have the chance to bite, health department officials will spray pesticides in the following locations:

Wednesday, July 18, 8:15 p.m. until 11:15 p.m.

• 38122

Thursday, July 19, 8:15 p.m. until 11:15 p.m.

• 38108
• 38127
• 38128
• 38134

Monday, July 23, 8:15 p.m. until 11:15 p.m.

• 38128

Here are some of the ways you can protect yourself from mosquito bites and help prevent mosquitoes from breeding:

• Wear DEET-containing mosquito repellants according to label directions
• Eliminate standing water where mosquitoes can lay eggs. Check properties for objects - including old tires, flower pots and drip plates, tin cans, buckets, and children’s toys - that collect rainwater and either drain or dispose of the water
• Install or repair windows and door screens
• Empty, clean and refill birdbaths and small wading pools weekly
• Empty and refill pets’ water bowls every few days
• Repair failed septic systems
• Repair leaky outside faucets
• Clean rain gutters and down spouts
• Secure swimming pool covers tightly and remove any standing water after rainfall
• Store wheelbarrows, canoes and boats upside down
• Stock ornamental lawn ponds with fish (Gambusia) that eat mosquito larvae (Gambusia fish are available free from the Vector Control Program)

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