The Knox County Health Department has confirmed the presence of West Nile Virus in North Knoxville, detected during routine surveillance near Davanna Street in the Central Avenue area. This follows the department’s report of the first two cases of La Crosse virus, another mosquito-borne illness, in 2025. According to the CDC, Tennessee accounts for nearly a third of the 10 reported West Nile cases in the U.S. this year, making it the state with the highest number of cases.

West Nile Virus, the leading mosquito-borne disease in North America, typically causes symptoms like fever, headache, body aches, or rash in about one in five infected individuals, with severe illness occurring in roughly one in 150 cases, particularly among older adults or those with weakened immune systems. To combat the spread, mosquito control spraying is scheduled for Thursday, August 14, 2025, from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. in areas including Elm Street, Baxter Avenue, and others, with residents and pets advised to stay indoors during this time.

Preventive measures recommended by the CDC include using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants, treating clothing and gear, and controlling mosquitoes indoors and outdoors. Dr. William Schaffner from Vanderbilt University Medical Center advises those experiencing symptoms after mosquito bites to contact their healthcare provider promptly for evaluation.