Tennessee’s Department of Health and Department of Agriculture are urging Tennesseans, including horse owners and veterinarians, to be on the alert for the re-emergence of viruses transmitted by mosquitoes. As many states are experiencing one of the largest outbreaks of West Nile virus in recent years, Tennessee is beginning to see cases in humans and horses. In Tennessee, most human WNV cases occur in August and September, and so far this summer, there have been six human cases reported in the state. Most human WNV infections cause no noticeable symptoms. However, about 20 percent of infections result in symptoms that may include fever, headache and body aches. Occasionally more severe symptoms occur, and in less than one percent of human cases, WNV may cause a life-threatening infection of the brain. Certain populations are at higher risk including the elderly, persons who abuse alcohol and those with chronic health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, renal disease and cardiovascular disease. Tullahoma city officials say they are checking city property that has swampy and low lying areas. If there is a potential for a problem they spray it with a specially designed insecticide.