The Tennessee Department of Health has confirmed cases of West Nile Virus in White County. The virus is transmitted by mosquitoes. Tennessee sees the most cases of West Nile during the fall months. Presently there is no vaccinations for the virus. Citizens can take preventative steps

About one in five infected people will develop a fever with other symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea,or rash. Most people with this type of West Nile virus disease recover completely, but fatigue and weakness can last for weeks or months.

A few people – less than 1 percent of those infected with the virus – will develop a serious neurologic disease such as encephalitis or meningitis, which is inflammation of the brain or surrounding tissues. Recovery from severe disease may take several weeks or months, with some of the neurologic effects being permanent.

There is no vaccination for the West Nile virus, but people can avoid the virus by limiting exposure to mosquitoes. Removing standing water from around homes and wearing mosquito repellent can protect people from the virus.

You can reduce your risks of contracting West Nile by protecting yourself from mosquitoes.

• Avoid going outside from dusk until dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
• Get rid of standing water around your house or apartment – wet, murky areas are where mosquitoes tend to breed. Buckets, discarded tires, and even bird baths are great places for mosquitoes to lay eggs.
• Wear long-sleeves and long pants if you’re going to be outside for an extended period of time. Dusk through dawn is when mosquitoes are most active.
• Use insect repellant that contain DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or products that contain oil of lemon eucalyptus and para-menthane-diol.
• Install or repair screens on windows and doors or use air conditioning.