By JOSH AULT
6 News Reporter
KNOXVILLE (WATE) - Two new cases of the West Nile Virus have been reported in Tennessee, bringing the total to seven.
In East Tennessee, a human case was reported in Greene County and a horse was infected in Grainger County.
Even with this threat, it did not stop the crowds at the annual Outdoor Knoxfest.
"I'm not concerned with mosquitoes or bugs at all," said Outdoor Knoxfest participant Dan Schmiesing, "Ticks, leeches, nothing."
Event organizers say they are not doing anything out of the ordinary to protect people from mosquitoes.
"We did have a hike this morning and we took repellent with us," said Outdoor Knoxfest organizer Carol Evans. "We have repellent here on site if anyone needs it."
No special warnings were given at this year's event, and it did not seem the West Nile threat was affecting attendance.
"We've been busy all day," said Evans, "Lots of kids and families down here. No one seems too concerned. We haven't had any questions."
Even though the West Nile Virus is not a huge concern at this year's festival, many people 6 News spoke with are using a lot of bug repellent by to keep those pesky mosquitoes away.
"I wasn't worried about the mosquitoes this morning," said volunteer Heather Middlebrook, "By tonight I definitely will put on some spray, although I have been getting bitten already."
For most people here, they just want to enjoy the great outdoors.
"If I was sitting on my back deck by the grass I may put on some bug spray on," said Schmiesing. "Mosquitoes downtown won't be bad."
The Knox County Health Department will be spraying for mosquitos on Sunday from 9 p.m. until midnight. Crews will focus on areas around East Governor John Sevier Highway, Kimberlin Heights Road and Chapman Highway, and in Halls.
Outdoor Knoxfest continues Sunday with a trail run and community bike ride.
Even though the West Nile Virus is not a huge concern at this year's festival, many people 6 News spoke with are using a lot of bug repellent by to keep those pesky mosquitoes away.
Worries about the West Nile Virus did not stop the crowds at the annual Outdoor Knoxfest.
