West Nile virus detected in southern state as health officials warn residents about mosquitoes

Health officials in Nashville are urging residents to protect themselves from mosquito bites after West Nile virus was detected in mosquitoes for the first time this year.

The Metro Public Health Department (MPHD) announced the virus was found in a mosquito pool collected near Cass Street in North Nashville, marking the city's first detection of West Nile virus in 2026 and the earliest positive mosquito sample of the season.

The detection comes after health officials reported elevated...