Georgia reports first human West Nile virus case in Brantley County patient
The Georgia Department of Public Health yesterday confirmed the state’s first human case of West Nile Virus (WNV) in 2013 in an adult patient from Brantley County.
The patient was infected in May and recovered without hospitalization or complications.
This case and the recent heavy rains have prompted Georgia health officials are urging residents to protect themselves against mosquitoes.
Image/CDC
“Standing water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes that may be infected with West Nile Virus,” said Rosmarie Kelly, Ph.D., MPH, Georgia Department of Public Health entomologist. “In the heat of summer, it can take less than 10 days to go from egg to adult mosquito.”
Symptoms of WNV infection are often mild and may include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, a rash, muscle weakness or swollen lymph nodes. In a small number of cases, infection can result in encephalitis or meningitis, which can lead to paralysis, coma and possibly death.
In 2012, a total of 5,674 cases of West Nile virus disease in people, including 286 deaths, were reported to CDC.
The Georgia Department of Public Health advises residents that they can reduce the number of mosquitoes around their homes by emptying standing water from containers – flowerpots, gutters, buckets, pool covers, pet water dishes, discarded tires, and birdbaths – anything that holds water and gives mosquitoes a place to thrive. The most effective way to avoid WNV is to prevent mosquito bites and the best way to do that is to observe the “Five D’s of WNV 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 amountof exposed.
DEET
– Cover exposed skin with an insect repellent containing the DEET, whichis the most effective repellent against mosquito bites.
Drain
– Empty any containers holding standing water because they can be excellent breeding grounds for virus-carrying mosquitoes.
Doors
– Make sure doors and windows are in good repair and fit tightly, and fixtorn or damaged screens to keep mosquitoes out of the house.
For more infectious disease news and information, visit and “like” the Infectious Disease News Facebook page
Looking for a job in health care? Check here to see what’s available
