Mosquitoes in Suffolk test positive for equine virus

SUFFOLK

Tests on mosquitoes and chickens in Suffolk have found Eastern equine encephalitis, a virus known to kill animals, the city said Sunday.

Mosquitoes carrying the virus were found in the areas of Jericho Ditch, Hosier Road, Freeney Avenue, Suburban Woods, Wonderland Forest, Chuckatuck and Rivercliff, a news release from the city said. No people or horses in Suffolk have been found to have the virus.

The city is treating standing water and spraying to kill adult mosquitoes.

The virus is occasionally fatal for people. In 1998, a 66-year-old man in Portsmouth died after he was bitten by a mosquito in his yard and infected with the virus, which attacks the nervous system.

Information on the virus from the Virginia Department of Health is available here.