Public health officials urge Chesapeake City residents to remove standing water to prevent West Nile, EEE

Chesapeake City public health officials urged residents to remove standing water and other mosquito‑attracting items to reduce the risk of West Nile virus and eastern equine encephalitis (EEE).

An agency official said, “We do surveillance and investigation for reportable diseases here in our community,” and described ongoing collaboration with the mosquito control commission and mosquito control program to prevent transmission. The official warned that people who are immunocompromised face a higher risk of more severe illness and hospitalization if infected.

The presenter outlined simple household steps to lower mosquito breeding: eliminating standing water in open barrels, tires and other containers. “Prevention is the key,” the presenter said, and added, “We don't do things based on income. We do it based on risk,” stressing an equitable, risk‑based approach to outreach and control.

Public health officials framed the effort as a partnership between residents and local mosquito control: officials conduct surveillance and investigation, while mosquito control staff reduce local mosquito populations. Officials did not announce any new funding, ordinances, or formal actions at the briefing.

The officials repeated basic guidance for residents: remove pooled water, cover containers that hold water, and discard tires or other items that can collect rain. They said these measures, paired with mosquito control activities, help break the cycle of disease transmission in the community.

The briefing concluded with an emphasis on prevention and community participation; no votes or formal motions were recorded.