News Flash

Aug. 22, 2018 - Langley Air Force Base officials announced they found West Nile Virus in a mosquito. Hampton's mosquito team reports that no infections have been found in the city, but they will continue to trap and test, paying special attention to areas near the base.   

In fact, Chris DeHart, the city's environmental services manager, says the numbers of trapped mosquitoes this summer is at an eight-year low. He attributed that to increased treatment. The Stormwater Operations Division has treated all roadside ditches and stormwater inlets this season, some up to three times, with environmentally friendly bacterial larvicides that are specific to mosquito and fly larvae.

DeHart said the city would continue monitoring for adult and juvenile mosquitoes and test for diseases into early October, paying extra attention to areas near Langley Air Force Base. The city's last positive lab test for West Nile in a mosquito was in 2010, with an unconfirmed test indicating a potential for the disease in 2012. 

Residents can reduce their risk by using insect repellant and wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, as well as dumping or treating standing water. You can read more about the city's mosquito program here: https://hampton.gov/3279/Mosquitoes

There are no known or suspected cases of West Nile in humans or animals at Langley Air Force Base. The infected mosquito was found in an area of base not near family housing, play areas and work places, base officials said.

The base has an active mosquito prevention program and conducted aerial mosquito spraying on July 31. Another application is scheduled for August 28.