West Nile Virus Detected in Nashville Mosquitoes for First Time This Season, Officials Urge Caution

Health officials in Nashville are advising residents to take protective measures against mosquito bites after West Nile virus (WNV) was identified in local mosquito populations for the first time this year.

The Metro Public Health Department (MPHD) announced that the virus was found in a mosquito sample collected near Cass Street in North Nashville. This marks the city's initial detection of WNV in 2026 and represents the earliest positive mosquito sample recorded this season.

This discovery follows a period of elevated West Nile virus activity in mosquito populations during 2025, which included one confirmed human case of the illness.

"We can all play a role in reducing the presence of mosquitoes in our community, making our outdoor areas both more pleasant and safer from mosquito-borne diseases like West Nile virus," stated Dr. Sanmi Areola, director of health at the Metro Public Health Department. "As our team educates those in the area where West Nile virus was found, we hope the rest of our community does what they can to protect themselves and their families from mosquitoes this summer."

Understanding West Nile Virus Risks

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), West Nile virus is the most common mosquito-borne disease in the United States. While most individuals infected with the virus do not experience symptoms, approximately one in five may develop mild symptoms such as fever, headaches, body aches, vomiting, diarrhea, or a rash.

A more serious neurological illness, which can affect the brain or spinal cord, occurs in less than 1% of infected individuals. Older adults and those with compromised immune systems face the highest risk of developing these severe complications.

Public Health Response and Prevention

Public health officials conduct routine trapping and testing of mosquitoes throughout the warmer months to monitor for WNV activity. A positive mosquito sample serves as an early warning that the virus is circulating locally, though it does not automatically indicate human infections will occur.

In response to the recent positive test, MPHD crews are distributing educational flyers in the affected neighborhood. They are also increasing mosquito trapping efforts, monitoring areas with standing water, and applying larvicide where necessary to help control mosquito populations. The department clarified that it does not use insecticide spraying to eliminate adult mosquitoes.

Residents also have the option to request a complimentary backyard inspection from the department's Pest Management team. This service helps identify potential mosquito breeding grounds on private property.

To help prevent mosquito bites and reduce the risk of WNV and other mosquito-borne illnesses, health officials recommend several actions:

• Eliminate Standing Water: Regularly empty and clean bird baths, flowerpots, buckets, old tires, children's toys, and any other outdoor containers where mosquitoes can lay eggs.
• Maintain Yard Hygiene: Trim overgrown vegetation around homes, as this can create shaded, damp areas where mosquitoes rest.
• Use Repellents: Apply EPA-approved insect repellents containing active ingredients such as DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus when outdoors.
• Dress Appropriately: Wear long sleeves and pants during peak mosquito activity hours, typically around dusk and dawn.
• Ensure Screen Integrity: Verify that window and door screens are in good repair to prevent mosquitoes from entering homes.

Officials emphasize that collective efforts to reduce mosquito breeding sites around homes are crucial for lowering the risk of West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne diseases across the community.