RADFORD (WSLS 10) - New River Valley health leaders went door to door to warn people about the dangers of mosquitoes.
They said the likelihood of someone contracting the Zika virus from a mosquito in Virginia is still very low. However, other, more common mosquito-borne illnesses such as Chikungunya and Dengue Fever are happening throughout the Commonwealth.
Health leaders said those living below the poverty line are more likely to be exposed to those diseases.
It is important to empty or dump any standing water on your property at least once a week. A lack of window screens is a concern as well.
"The message really needs to be mosquito control," said New River Health District director Dr. Molly O'Dell. "It's just become a nuisance, but in fact, mosquitoes carry diseases, and that's what we need to focus on."
The team completed the campaign in Montgomery County and Radford, and will now head to Giles and Floyd counties.