RHHD reports reduced risk for West Nile Virus transmission in Henrico

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Recent data from the Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) has shown a reduced risk for transmission of West Nile Virus (WNV) throughout Henrico County.

Through surveillance of mosquito trap sites, officials said that as of Tuesday, Oct. 7, the number of positive trap sites has dropped below the 50% threshold that indicates an increased risk of transmission.

Additionally, there have been no recent documented human cases of WNV in the county.

This update comes more than a month after an alert for a higher risk of transmission was released by the health districts back on Sept. 19.

At that time, the county's Department of Public Works (DPW) Vector Surveillance and Control Division had discovered that at least 50% of trap sites tested over the course of two weeks had brought back positive WNV results.

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In response, the department took action to reduce the risk of transmission, including:

• Launching a large-scale, intensified mosquito larvicide operation within county areas with documented high WNV activity
• Increased trapping and testing efforts to monitor the spread of WNV in mosquitoes

Although the transmission risk has been reduced, health officials are still urging members of the public to take steps to protect themselves from mosquitoes:

• Wear loose-fitting clothes, long sleeves and pants -- limit the amount of exposed skin when in an area with high mosquito activity
• Consider using an EPS-registered insect repellant on skin or clothing
• Sleep with windows and doors closed unless they are well-screened

WNW is described by officials as the most common mosquito-borne disease in Virginia. While the majority of people who become infected will have mild or no symptoms, the virus may present through the following symptoms:

• Fever
• Headache
• Body aches
• Vomiting and/or diarrhea
• Rash (25-50% of cases)

No vaccine is currently available for WNV in humans -- the best protection is provided by mosquito control programs and personal protective measures, according to officials.

For more information about mosquitoes and mosquito-borne illness, click here. To read the full release from the health districts, click here.