Does Virginia Have West Nile Virus?

Mosquitoes are known to pick up dangerous diseases and spread them. Diseases such as malaria, yellow fever, and Dengue are well-known for their impact on human mortality. Researchers are vocal about the threat, naming the mosquito as the world's deadliest animal. But the United States is somewhat shielded. In the continental United States, the deadliest mosquito-borne disease is West Nile virus (WVN). The total human disease count of WNV in 2023, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, was 2,406, with 47 states reporting cases. Virginia was one of them. Let's dig in a bit and talk about what this means and how you can protect yourself and your family.

The impact of West Nile virus in Virginia

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) tracks infectious diseases through electronic case reporting and lab reporting. The results given by physicians and researchers are tracked through an online portal. According to the data collected, there were 12 cases of WNV reported in Virginia in 2023. We are happy to say that this is a significantly low percentage of the population, which sits at around 8.6 million residents. But the number isn't insignificant if you are one of the twelve families that had someone in your family hospitalized for WNV, or worse.

How dangerous is West Nile virus?

The main issue with WNV is that it causes encephalitis, which is swelling of the brain. In cases that report severe symptoms, the death rate is around 10%. Once again, that is a low number, but the onset of severe symptoms is not easy to track. It is common for people to get a cold, that is why it is called the common cold. The flu is also common. Therefore, having a fever, headache, body aches, nausea, and other symptoms is common. Those who contract the West Nile virus don't always know they have it. They just know that they're sick. When symptoms spike, and they're rushed to the hospital, that is when the virus is diagnosed. Do you see the issue?

How can you guard against West Nile virus?

As a pest control service provider, we believe that the best way to guard against WNV and other mosquito-borne diseases is to keep the mosquito population near zero in your yard, but don't get service for just that reason. Get mosquito control because it also makes outdoor activities so much better.

Not only does the Getem Services team offer seasonal mosquito treatments in Norfolk, Chesapeake, and Virginia Beach, as well as throughout Hampton Roads, but we also provide mosquito treatments before outdoor events such as weddings, receptions, reunions, graduations, and more.

How does mosquito control work?

There is no way to "control" mosquitoes entirely, but ongoing mosquito control can make it feel like there are no mosquitoes in your yard, and mosquito control will significantly reduce your chances of having mosquitoes bite you. How do we get rid of mosquitoes?

• We inspect your property to locate mosquito hotspots and breeding sites.
• We apply a mosquito misting treatment to resting spots such as fence lines, under decks, bushes, and tall grass.
• We treat gutters, bird baths, and other breeding sites to disrupt mosquito development and prevent eggs from turning into flying adult mosquitoes that bite you.

When you partner with Getem every month from March through the last week in September, we’ll treat your property to keep these biting pests away – that’s seven mosquito treatments!

Reduce your risk, enjoy your yard, call Getem Services

Although it is impossible to eliminate every single mosquito that shows up on your property, a yard with fewer mosquitoes will reduce your risk of mosquito bites and allow you to take back your outdoor living space. Contact your Getem Services team today to learn more or to get started with mosquito control.