The Georgia Department of Health (DPH) confirms that at least one person in the state has now died this year from the West Nile Virus, and though it did not occur in our area, a spokeswoman says northeast Georgians should not let their guard down.
“So far, the only WNV-positive pools have been in Fulton, DeKalb, and Chatham,” Nancy Nydam Shirek wrote in an email Wednesday. “Only two other counties are testing: Glynn and Camden. However, we have eight people with confirmed WNV, and they are in places other than those five counties, so we know WNV is circulating in the state. That’s why protection is key to preventing WNV regardless of where you live, work, or play.”
While most infected people will not experience symptoms, some may develop issues including body aches, fever, headache, or rash, which can occur two to six days after a mosquito bite. Health officials advise using EPA-registered insect repellents with DEET, draining standing water, and sealing doors and windows. (GA. NEWS NETWORK CONTRIBUTED TO THIS STORY)