Mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus detected near downtown Memphis
MEMPHIS, TN - (WMC-TV) - The next time you go outside near downtown Memphis, be sure to wear plenty of mosquito repellent. The Shelby County Health Department is urging caution after mosquitoes carrying the West Nile Virus were recently discovered near downtown Memphis. "It is a disease which can cause infection in the brain, and that is very serious," said Dr. Daniel Sprenger, manager of the Shelby County Health Department's Vector Control program. According to Sprenger, mosquitoes with the virus have been found at a home in the 38126 zip code. "It appears to be a typical outbreak at this point," he said. "It doesn't seem to have any unique characteristics." Since April, Vector Control has been spraying areas in the 38126 zip code, applying insecticides where mosquito breeding has occurred - especially near standing bodies of water. "I don't believe the flood has anything to do with it," Sprenger said. "Actua