West Nile virus found in Richmond and Henrico mosquitoes

Pools of mosquitoes along the border of Richmond and Henrico County have tested positive for the West Nile virus.

A Richmond City Health District public health notice advised residents in those areas, along with individuals in other Richmond communities, to take precaution and avoid exposure to mosquitoes.

"Based on the surveillance data, it is reasonable to assume that mosquitoes infected with West Nile virus are also present in other Richmond communities," the notice states.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website states that 8 out of 10 people infected with West Nile will not show symptoms. Those that do show symptoms could develop headaches, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea or rashes.

Most recover quickly, but weakness in some can persist for weeks or month. Less than 1 percent who are infected can develop neurological illnesses like encephalitis or meningitis.

There is no specific treatment for the virus, and symptoms typically appear 2 to 15 days after exposure.

The health district encouraged city residents to eliminate stagnant water where mosquitoes might breed and to use extra precaution during dusk and dawn, when many mosquitoes that carry West Nile are most active.

Precautions include wearing insect repellent that contains DEET or an EPA-registered active ingredient, wearing light-colored long sleeves and pants or staying indoors during those times.

Turning over objects that collect rainwater to eliminate areas where mosquitoes can breed is also a good way to lower possible exposure to mosquitoes, as is equipping open windows and doors with screens to keep them out of the home.