Mosquitoes Carrying West Nile Virus Found At 11 DeKalb Locations

DECATUR, GA — The DeKalb County Board of Health has trapped West Nile virus-positive mosquitoes at 11 locations throughout the county. This year, there have been no human cases of West Nile virus infection confirmed in the county.

To reduce the spread of West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne diseases, the board of health conducts a comprehensive mosquito control program. Throughout the county, technicians routinely trap mosquitoes that are tested for viruses. They also work with residents to eliminate infestations. Measures include placing larvicide in areas with standing water, like in storm drains. This keeps young mosquitoes from becoming flying, biting adults.

Most mosquitoes do not test positive for disease-causing viruses, officials said. However, a bite from a West Nile Virus-infected mosquito can cause serious illness, and in some cases, death.

Although a person's chances of getting sick are small, those age 50 and older are at highest risk for serious illness. Not everyone infected with West Nile Virus will become ill. However, West Nile can cause serious complications, including neurological diseases, and can also cause a milder flu-like illness, including fever, headache and body aches, nausea, and occasionally a skin rash and swollen lymph glands.

The Board of Health advises people to take the following precautions:

• Reduce mosquito breeding in your yard by eliminating standing water in gutters and items such as planters, toys, wheelbarrows and old tires.
• Discourage mosquitoes from resting in your yard by trimming tall grass, weeds and vines.
• Reduce outdoor exposure at dawn and dusk, when the mosquitoes that transmit West Nile virus are most active.
• Wear a long-sleeved shirt, long pants and socks when outdoors, particularly at dawn and dusk and in areas with large numbers of mosquitoes.
• Make sure window and door screens fit tightly to keep out mosquitoes.
• Use an insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535. Apply according to label instructions.
• Spray clothing with products containing permethrin according to label instructions.