Mosquitoes in Desoto Test Positive for West Nile Virus
On July 22, adult mosquitoes collected from a trap site in the city of Desoto tested positive for the West Nile Virus. Officials in the city have been notified of the positive results. JCHD began implementing control measures in the affected areas of concern on the evening of July 22nd. JCHD’s Mosquito Control and Surveillance program will continue to monitor the county for West Nile Virus in the mosquito population.
The Jefferson County Health Department asks that residents remain diligent in protecting themselves and their families from mosquitoes. Residents should continue using insect repellents approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that contain one of the following active ingredients:
- DEET
- Picardian
- Oil of lemon eucalyptus
- IR3535
- 2-undecanone
Whenever possible, residents should wear clothes that cover exposed skin to reduce the risk of being bitten. Residents can also reduce the number of mosquitoes around their home and property by getting rid of all standing water at least 1 time per week and scrub out any containers that were holding standing water.
For more information about the JCHD Mosquito Control and Surveillance Program, preventing mosquito-spread diseases, or mosquito control, please visit www.jeffcohealth.org
Last modified: July 27, 2026
