West Nile Virus Detected in Mosquitoes in Coastal Georgia

When you head outside, don’t forget the bug spray – that’s the message from the Coastal Health District after three mosquito samples in Chatham County tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV).

Chatham County Mosquito Control regularly traps mosquitoes throughout the county to test for viruses that can spread from mosquitoes to people. The information is used to direct mosquito control efforts and to warn residents to take precautions.

These are the first positive WNV tests in the Coastal Health District mosquito population this summer. Peak mosquito season typically runs from late summer through fall.

Mosquito bites are more than just an itchy nuisance. WNV is transmitted to humans by the bite of infected mosquitoes. Many people who are infected with the virus have no symptoms. Some may have mild to moderate symptoms including fever, headache, body aches, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. Severe cases can lead to serious, sometimes fatal, illness.

There is no vaccine or cure for WNV, so prevention is key. All residents should take steps to avoid mosquito bites and eliminate standing water where mosquitoes like to breed. You can reduce your risk of infection by following the 5Ds of mosquito bite prevention:

• Dusk/Dawn – Avoid dusk and dawn activities during the summer when mosquitoes are most active.
• 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 containers holding standing water – buckets, barrels, flowerpots, tarps – because they are 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.

For more information on mosquito bite prevention, visit cdc.gov/mosquitoes.