Does Virginia Have West Nile Virus? What Hampton Roads Homeowners Should Know

Mosquitoes carry some of the most serious diseases on the planet. Malaria, yellow fever, dengue — the list goes on. Researchers actually call the mosquito the world's deadliest animal. Here in the United States, the biggest mosquito-borne threat is West Nile virus (WNV), and yes, it shows up in Virginia every single year.

If you live in Hampton Roads, you're not exempt. The team at Getem Services has been helping homeowners across Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, and the surrounding area deal with mosquitoes for decades. Here's what you should know about West Nile virus in our area and why reducing the mosquito population around your home matters.

West Nile Virus in Virginia: The Numbers

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) tracks mosquito-borne diseases across the state through a system called electronic case reporting. According to their data and numbers reported to the CDC's ArboNET surveillance system, Virginia sees WNV cases every year.

Here's what the last five years look like for Virginia:

• 2025: 30 reported cases (18 neuroinvasive), 2 deaths

• 2024: 10 reported cases (6 neuroinvasive), 1 death

• 2023: 12 reported cases

• 2022: 6 reported cases (all neuroinvasive)

• 2021: 5 reported cases

The jump from 10 cases in 2024 to 30 in 2025 is a big deal. That's a threefold increase in a single year. And these are just the cases that get officially reported — the CDC estimates that the actual number of WNV infections is significantly higher because most people with mild symptoms never get tested.

What's Happening Across the Country

Virginia's numbers don't exist in a vacuum. West Nile virus remains the most common mosquito-borne disease in the United States. In 2025, the CDC reported more than 2,000 cases nationwide, a significant increase from the previous year. While states like Texas, Colorado, and California often report the highest numbers, Virginia continues to see cases annually.

Why Hampton Roads Homeowners Should Pay Attention

Hampton Roads isn't just another spot on the map when it comes to mosquitoes. The combination of coastal marshes, tidal creeks, and warm, humid summers creates conditions that mosquitoes love. Add in the amount of standing water that builds up after summer storms — in clogged gutters, drainage ditches, and low-lying yards — and you've got a breeding ground.

Local health departments take this seriously. The Norfolk Department of Public Health runs active mosquito surveillance throughout the season. In 2025, mosquito samples collected along North Military Highway tested positive for West Nile virus. The year before, positive samples were found near Cedar Grove Cemetery. This isn't a theoretical risk — WNV-carrying mosquitoes are being found in neighborhoods right here in Hampton Roads.

The Chesapeake Mosquito Control Commission also reported that Culex pipiens populations — the specific mosquito species responsible for most WNV transmission — increased 51% in 2025 compared to the prior year. Chesapeake even reported a confirmed human WNV case during the season.

If you're spending time in your yard, hosting cookouts, or letting kids play outside during the warmer months, reducing the number of mosquitoes around your property isn't just about comfort. It's about health. Contact the Getem Services team to learn how seasonal mosquito treatments can help reduce mosquito populations around your home throughout the summer.

How Dangerous Is West Nile Virus?

Here's the tricky part about WNV: most people who get infected — about 80% — don't feel sick at all. The other 20% might develop flu-like symptoms. Fever, headache, body aches, nausea, and sometimes a rash. A lot of people think they just caught a bug and don't think twice about it.

The real concern is the small percentage of cases that become neuroinvasive — meaning the virus affects the brain or spinal cord. That's when things like encephalitis (brain swelling), meningitis, or paralysis can happen. About 1 in 150 infections reach this point, and among those severe cases, the fatality rate is around 10%.

People over 55 and those with conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, or compromised immune systems face the highest risk of severe illness. There's no vaccine or specific treatment for West Nile virus, which is why prevention is your best option.

What Getem Does to Reduce Mosquitoes Around Your Home

It’s impossible to eliminate every single mosquito, but ongoing professional mosquito control can dramatically cut the population in your yard. Here's what the Getem Services team does when we treat your property:

We start with a thorough inspection to find where mosquitoes are resting and breeding. Then we apply a targeted misting treatment to the areas where they hide — fence lines, under decks, bushes, tall grass, and shaded areas. 

We also identify and treat standing water sources, such as bird baths and other areas where mosquito larvae develop before becoming biting adults.

Our seasonal mosquito treatments run monthly from March through the end of September—seven treatments during the peak season. We also offer one-time treatments before outdoor events like weddings, graduations, and family reunions.

The Getem team serves Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, and communities throughout Hampton Roads. If mosquitoes are keeping you off your patio, give us a call.

Frequently Asked Questions About West Nile Virus in Virginia

When is the risk for West Nile virus highest in Hampton Roads?

The majority of WNV cases nationwide — over 90% — occur between July and September, when mosquito activity peaks. In Hampton Roads, warm temperatures and humidity can extend that window into October.

Can pets get West Nile virus?

Dogs and cats can be infected but rarely show symptoms. Horses are more vulnerable and can develop serious neurological illness from WNV. A vaccine is available for horses but not for humans or household pets.

Does West Nile virus spread from person to person?

No. You can't catch WNV from someone who has it through coughing, touching, or casual contact. In rare cases, it has been transmitted through blood transfusions and organ transplants.

Can mosquitoes in my backyard carry West Nile virus?

Yes. The mosquitoes that spread West Nile virus often breed in standing water around residential areas and are commonly found throughout Hampton Roads.

Should I worry about West Nile virus if I only spend a little time outside?

It only takes one bite from an infected mosquito. You don't have to be hiking through a swamp — stepping outside to check the mail, water the garden, or walk the dog is enough exposure if mosquitoes are active in your area.

Protect Your Family From Mosquitoes

West Nile virus isn't going away, and neither are mosquitoes. But you don't have to spend the season swatting and worrying. Contact Getem Services today to learn about our seasonal mosquito control program or to schedule a one-time event treatment. Fewer mosquitoes means fewer bites — and a lot more time enjoying your yard.