12 human cases of West Nile reported in Virginia

(WWBT) - A total of 12 people have contracted the West Nile Virus in Virginia this year.

The Virginia Department of Health said the cases are in "multiple regions" and that the virus is prevalent across the state.

• West Nile Virus found in mosquitoes throughout Henrico
• "Fight the Bite" program hopes to cut down on number of mosquitoes
• Virginia horse test positive for West Nile

The best treatment is prevention of mosquito bites, the Department of Health said. It advises everyone, including pregnant and breastfeeding women, to use an EPA-registered insect repellent with one of six active ingredients:

• DEET
• Picaridin
• IR3535
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus
• Para-menthane-diol
• 2-undecanone

Empty any containers of standing water and use window and door screens to prevent mosquitos from getting inside.

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