CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WTVR) – The Brandermill Community Association reported on its website that a Brandermill resident tested positive for West Nile Virus. The website said the wife of the 63-year-old man told them about her husband’s condition.
The site reported the man spent three days at St. Francis Medical Center getting treatment before he was released and that he is now recovering at home.
Chesterfield Health District Director Dr. Parham Jaberi told CBS 6 his office is investigating an “arbovirus,” a virus spread by mosquitoes. He said it could be a few days before his office could confirm whether or not the Brandermill man had West Nile Virus. Dr. Jaberi said during the investigation his office will contact the hospital, interview the patient and follow up with the lab tests.
Earlier this month the State Health Department confirmed Virginia’s first two human cases of West Nile.
Overall, the U.S. is experiencing its biggest spike in the mosquito-borne illness since 2004.
The Virginia Health Department suggested several steps to take to avoid getting the West Nile Virus:
- When you are outdoors, use insect repellent containing an EPA-registered active ingredient. Follow the directions on the package.
- Many mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn. Be sure to use insect repellent and wear long sleeves and pants at these times or consider staying indoors during these hours.
- Make sure you have good screens on your windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out.
- Eliminate mosquito breeding areas by addressing areas in your yard where rainwater collects. Turn over or empty bird baths, flower pots, buckets, or barrels. Clean roof gutters and downspout screens. Remove old tires from your yard. Eliminate standing water on flat roofs, boats or tarps. Keep children’s wading pools empty and on their sides when not in use.
