-News Release-
West Nile Virus (WNV) season has arrived earlier and more aggressively than it has in more than two decades, and local public health officials are cautioning people to take proactive measures to reduce the risk of mosquito bites. “We’re concerned about where this season may be heading,” says Dr. Gary Voccio, health director for the Georgia Department of Public Health Northwest Health District. As of July 7, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is reporting 56 human WNV cases in 15 states, none in Georgia, although the virus has been detected in mosquitoes in two Georgia counties – Fulton and Chatham.
The main way WNV is transmitted to humans is through the bite of an infected mosquito. “Mosquitoes become infected by feeding on infected birds,” says Voccio, “and these mosquitoes then pass the virus to humans when they bite to feed on blood. You cannot catch WNV from another person or from handling birds.”
The most effective way to protect against WNV infection and all mosquito-borne diseases is to prevent mosquito bites. Observe the “Five Ds of Prevention:
- Dusk/Dawn – Mosquitoes carrying WNV usually bite at dusk and dawn, so avoid or limit outdoor activity at these times.
- Dress – Wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants to reduce the amount of exposed skin.
- DEET – Cover exposed skin with an insect repellent containing DEET, which is the most effective repellent against mosquito bites.
- Drain – Empty any containers holding standing water because they are excellent breeding grounds for virus-carrying mosquitoes.
- Doors – Make sure doors and windows are in good repair and fit tightly and fix torn or damaged screens to keep mosquitoes out of the house.
“One of the primary ways Northwest Georgians can reduce the number of mosquitoes around their homes and yards is by getting rid of standing water,” says Voccio. “Standing water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes that may be infected with West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne diseases.”
After every rainfall or at least once a week, Tip ‘n Toss containers that collect and hold water to eliminate breeding locations for mosquitoes and prevent the spread of illness. Tip out standing water in flowerpots, planters, children’s toys, wading pools, and buckets. If it holds water and you don’t need it (old tires, bottles, cans), toss it out. Mosquitoes that carry WNV look for stagnant water to breed in, so be sure gutters and eaves are clear of leaves and debris.
The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) recommends using EPA-registered insect repellents containing DEET (20%- 30%), Picaridin, IR3535, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus. If you’re using sunscreen, apply it first, followed by insect repellent. Wear light-colored clothing, including loose-fitting long sleeves, pants, and socks, to help protect against mosquito bites.
Ensure doors and windows fit tightly and are in good repair to keep mosquitoes outside. Mosquitoes bite day and night, so no matter what time you’re outside, remember to use insect repellent to protect against mosquito bites.
Symptoms of WNV include headache, fever, neck discomfort, muscle and joint aches, swollen lymph nodes and a rash – that usually develop three to 15 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. The elderly, those with compromised immune systems, or those with other underlying medical conditions are at greater risk for complications from the disease.
Anyone with questions about WNV should speak to their health care provider or call their local county health department, environmental health office.
More information about mosquito-borne illnesses and mosquito repellents can be found at https://dph.georgia.gov/EnvironmentalHealth. Information about West Nile Virus can be found at https://www.cdc.gov/westnile/
