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Health officials in Nashville are urging residents to protect themselves from mosquito bites after West Nile virus was found in mosquitoes for the first time this year.
The Metro Public Health Department (MPHD) announced that the virus was found in a pool of mosquitoes collected near Cass Street in North Nashville, marking the first detection of West Nile virus in the city in 2026 and the first mosquito sample of the season.
The discovery comes after health officials reported an increase in West Nile virus in mosquito pools in 2025, with one confirmed human case.
“We can all play a role in reducing the presence of mosquitoes in our community, making our outdoor spaces more pleasant and safer from mosquito-borne diseases such as West Nile virus,” said Dr. Sanmi Areola, director of health at the Metro Public Health Department in a statement to Fox 17.
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A close-up shows mosquitoes feeding in Tehatta, India, on May 1, 2026. Health officials in Nashville recently found West Nile virus in a pool of mosquitoes, prompting residents to take precautions against mosquito bites. (Soumyabrata Roy/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
“As our team educates those in the area where West Nile virus was found, we hope that our entire community is doing everything they can to protect themselves and their families from mosquitoes this summer.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, West Nile virus is the leading mosquito-borne disease in the United States. Most people infected with the virus have no symptoms, but about one in five develop fever, headache, body aches, vomiting, diarrhea or rash. Less than 1% develop serious neurological disease that can affect the brain or spinal cord, with older adults and people with weakened immune systems facing the greatest risk.
Public health officials routinely trap and test mosquitoes throughout the summer to monitor West Nile virus activity. A positive mosquito sample does not mean that people in the area will be infected, but it is an early warning that the virus is circulating in the area.
In response to the positive test, MPHD said workers are distributing educational flyers in the affected area, increasing mosquito netting, monitoring standing water and applying insecticides where needed to help reduce the mosquito population. The department said it does not spray insecticide to kill adult mosquitoes.
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The Aedes mosquito is a known vector of several viruses, including West Nile virus, yellow fever virus, dengue virus, chikungunya virus, and Zika virus. Recently, the USA has been on high alert after nearly 300 cases of West Nile virus, which are spread by mosquitoes, were reported. This virus has received a lot of attention after many people were diagnosed with HIV. Currently, there is no vaccine for West Nile virus. Aedes mosquitoes begin their blood meal on humans in Tehatta, West Bengal, India, on August 31, 2024. (Photo by Soumyabrata Roy/NurPhoto via Getty Images) (Soumyabrata Roy/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Residents can also request that the department’s team conduct a free yard inspection to identify areas where mosquitoes breed.
Health officials recommend eliminating standing water from birdbaths, flower pots, buckets, old tires, children’s toys and other outdoor containers where mosquitoes lay their eggs. Trimming overgrown grass around homes can also help reduce mosquito activity.
HEMET, CA – APRIL 26: A field sample of mosquitoes that may carry West Nile Virus is seen at the Riverside County Department of Environmental Health offices on April 26, 2007 in Hemet, California. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images) (Getty)
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To help prevent mosquito bites, the health department recommends using EPA-approved insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon, wearing long sleeves and pants outside during peak mosquito hours between dusk and dawn, and making sure window and door screens are properly adjusted.
Officials said reducing mosquito breeding in homes can help reduce the risk of West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne diseases throughout the community.
