KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — The Knox County government plans to spray for mosquitoes after the Health Department detected West Nile virus.
The Health Department found West Nile virus in mosquitoes during routine surveillance off Davanna Street in the Central Avenue area in North Knoxville. Because of this, the county plans to spray the following areas between 8 and 10 p.m. Thursday, if weather allows:
- Elm Street
- Baxter Avenue
- Lee Street
- Wray Street
- Davanna Street
- Oldham Avenue
- N. Central Avenue
- Branner Street
- Worth Street
- W. Columbia Avenue
- Bernard Avenue
This should reduce the risk of humans catching the disease, the county said. Most people don’t develop symptoms, but about 20% may get fevers, headaches, body aches or rashes. Older people and those with weakened immune systems can sometimes get severe illnesses.
The county advised people in the area to stay inside while it is spraying and to keep their pets inside or in their backyards. It also recommended that people reduce the risk of getting the virus by draining standing water, using EPA-registered insect repellants and wearing long sleeves and pants, especially during dawn or dusk when mosquitoes are most active. The Centers for Disease Control has more advice on its website.
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Two Knox County children were hospitalized for La Crosse, a different mosquito-borne illness, in July. The county previously sprayed for mosquitoes in June after detecting the West Nile virus in East Knoxville. A case was reported in June. See a map of West Nile virus cases on the CDC website…