First 2019 Metro Atlanta West Nile Virus Case Confirmed

FULTON COUNTY, GA — Fulton County Board of Health officials are urging county residents to take measures to protect themselves and their families from West Nile virus (WNV) after a local hospital verified a 44-year-old woman living in the county has tested positive for the virus. This is Fulton County’s first human case of WNV this year.

There has been one other case of WNV this year, according to the CDC, in Mitchell County in south Georgia. There were 36 cases total in 2018 in Georgia and two people died.

The Associated Press reported Aug. 16 the first case in Georgia this year was seen by an elderly man in southwest Georgia who was hospitalized. Officials said the man had other underlying health issues.

As of Aug. 20, the CDC reports a total of 41 states and the District of Columbia have reported West Nile virus infections in people, birds, or mosquitoes in 2019. Overall, 206 cases of West Nile virus disease in people have been reported to CDC. Of these, 143 (or 69 percent) were classified as neuroinvasive disease (such as meningitis or encephalitis) and 63 (or 31 percent) were classified as non-neuroinvasive disease.

WNV is a potentially serious mosquito-transmitted disease that can cause illness or death, the board said. Though most people who are infected with the disease do not have symptoms, others may experience mild or flu-like symptoms such as headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, swollen lymph glands, and rash. Some people infected may develop serious illnesses, such as meningitis and have swelling of the membrane surrounding the spinal cord, or encephalitis and have swelling of the brain.

“This unfortunate incident reinforces the need for all of us to remain vigilant in practicing prevention techniques to control mosquito breeding,” said S. Elizabeth Ford, M.D., M.B.A., Interim District Health Director, Fulton County Board of Health said. “Practicing prevention techniques that control mosquito breeding, coupled with applying personal protection techniques, has proven effective in combating West Nile virus.”

Eliminating standing water in and around your home is the most effective way to prevent mosquito breeding. According to public health officials, a significant amount of water is not necessary for mosquitoes to lay their eggs. In fact, a mosquito can lay dozens of eggs in a water-filled bottle cap. Tossing out any amount of water can make a huge difference in reducing the number of mosquitoes around your home.

The Board of Health recommends that you apply "tip ‘n toss" techniques by turning over flower pots, covering wading pools and throwing out water stored in buckets, pet bowls and other containers after every rainfall. Taking these actions at least once a week can help reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home. In addition to applying "tip ‘n toss" techniques, you can also control the mosquito population near and around your home by removing debris, repairing missing or damaged window screens and unclogging drain gutters.

To protect yourself from mosquitoes when you’re outside, health officials recommend you wear clothing that protects your arms, legs and neck. You should also use an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)—registered insect repellent as well to prevent being bitten by mosquitoes.
For more information about the Fulton County Board of Health and our Environmental Health Program, visit fultoncountyboh.org. For more tips and information on mosquito control, please visit fultoncountyboh.org, dph.ga.gov and cdc.gov.