Eastern Equine Encephalitis found in Norfolk mosquito pool

NORFOLK

The city’s public health department reported today the first Norfolk mosquito pool this season to test positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis.

Officials also said they plan to conduct fogging operations this evening in the Ingleside neighborhood, where the sample was collected on July 2. The city previously fogged the neighborhood on June 20 and July 9.

Although most people bitten by infected mosquitoes don’t get sick, the virus can cause a mild flu-like illness and, in the most serious cases, inflammation of the brain or inflammation of the lining of the brain or spinal cord. People over 50 are at the greatest risk of serious illness.

For more information, call the Norfolk Department of Public Health’s “Mosquito Hotline” at 757-683-2914 or visit www.vdh.virginia.gov.