West Nile Virus in Hamilton County

For the second time this mosquito season a pool of the insects in Hamilton County have tested positive for the West Nile Virus. Officials at the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Health Department say the mosquitoes were found in an area known to health officials as "sector 5," which includes zip codes 37302, 37315, 37353, 37363 (south of Interstate-75), 37412, and 37421.

It's important to mention there are no reported human cases of West Nile Virus in Hamilton County.

Health officials say the best thing to do is to get rid of any standing or stagnant water -- especially after rainfall.

That's where the insects breed, and if infected by birds carrying the virus, can spread it to humans.

If you come across dead birds, you're asked to call the Health Department immediately.

Most people who become infected by West Nile Virus will have no symptoms at all, but some will develop serious symptoms including high fever, headache, neck stiffness, disorientation, coma, and paralysis. Milder cases of West Nile Virus often improve without medical treatment, but people with more severe cases usually need to go to the hospital for intravenous fluids, help with breathing, and nursing care.