The threat of West Nile virus is back in northern Virginia, but it's not a larger threat than usual, according to a Fairfax County health official.
The county's health department reported some mosquitoes testing positive for the virus, which is common for this time of year.
"We still have the virus in the county, and it's just following its normal trend," said Envrionmental Health Supervisor Jorge Arias, who is in charge of the county's disease-carrying insects program. Arias also said the virus has been present in Fairfax since the early 2000's, and that testing is now routine. "We do this to make sure things don't exacerbate and get out of control."
Arias also noted other areas in have also reported West Nile virus this season. Prince William County officials reported infected mosquitoes last week.
According to Fairfax County's Health Department, people who contract West Nile may have no symptoms at all. Others may experience fever, fatigue, headache, rash, and in rare cases, serious neurological disorders.
To help prevent the disease, Arias recommends getting rid of standing water and other mosquito breeding grounds around your home; wearing loose-fitting, light-colored long clothing; using insecticides; and avoiding places with lots of mosquitoes.