Virginia Department of Health

West Nile Virus Summer 2012

Summertime is mosquito season, so it also is West Nile Virus (WNV) season. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that nationwide WNV is spreading faster than it has in years past, partly due to a mild winter and several spring rains that allowed the mosquito population to build early.

As of September 11, 2012, WNV disease has been reported in nine (9) Virginians: four in the northwest region, two in the northern region, two in the central region, and one in the southwest region. There has been one death in an older adult residing in the northwest region.

These numbers are not unusual in Virginia: there were 9 reports of WNV disease in humans last year; for 2006 to 2010, WNV disease was reported in 1 to 5 persons annually. There was one death in 2011 and one death in 2010; from 2006 to 2009, there were no deaths. 

The easiest and best way to avoid WNV is to prevent mosquito bites. 

• 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.

For more information on West Nile Virus or other arboviral illnesses, please visit our West Nile Virus webpage or visit  CDC’s website at http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/index.htm.

• "Pay Attention to Prevention" Press Release

Multistate Listeria Outbreak Linked to Imported Cheese

As part of a multistate Listeria monocytogenes outbreak, the Virginia Department of Health is collaborating with other state health departments, the CDC and FDA. 

As of September 11, 2012, 14 people were identified as part of the outbreak, including one case-patient from Virginia. 

Investigations done by officials in local, state, and federal public health, agriculture, and regulatory agencies indicate that imported Frescolina brand ricotta salata cheese distributed by Forever Cheese, Inc. is the likely source of this outbreak of listeriosis. Additional information regarding the outbreak investigation may be found on the FDA website at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm318844.htm and the CDC website at http://www.cdc.gov/listeria/outbreaks/cheese-09-12/index.html. 

Algal Blooms

Algae are naturally-occurring microscopic organisms found in fresh and salt waters of Virginia and around the world. During hot summer months it is not uncommon for algae to multiply rapidly creating what is called an algal bloom. Algal blooms often result in a noticeable change in the color of the water.  They can be many colors, but are most commonly red or brown and are referred to as “red” or “brown” tides.  An odor may also be present in the vicinity of the bloom. Most algal blooms are not harmful, but some do affect humans, fish, birds, and marine mammals. more>>