1 Dead, 8 Infected As West Nile Virus Spreads In GA: DPH

State health officials on Wednesday say the number of West Nile virus-related cases are expected to rise after the disease killed a person and infected eight others this year in Georgia.

The Georgia Department of Public Health did not say in which county the person who died lived, but noted mosquito traps have tested positive for the virus in DeKalb, Chatham and Fulton counties.

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Thursday showed human cases of West Nile in Fulton (one), Clayton (one), DeKalb (two), Muscogee (one), Chatham (two) and Lee (one) counties.

West Nile spreads through bites from infected mosquitos. Symptoms may not always be present; but if they do arise, the DPH said they could come as mild flu-like symptoms.

These can include a fever, a headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea and a rash that may develop two to six days after the person is bitten by the infected mosquito.

In the past, DPH told Patch that West Nile can prompt a more severe illness, such as one that impacts the brain.

Older residents, people with compromised immune systems and people who have been diagnosed with underlying medical conditions are most at risk to develop severe complications from West Nile, DPH said.

Mosquito season lasts through October in Georgia. For protection during mosquito season, DPH advised the following:

• Use EPA-registered insect repellents containing DEET (20- 30 percent), Picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
• Wear light-colored clothing, including loose-fitting long sleeves, pants and socks, to help protect against mosquito bites.
• After every rainfall, or at least once a week, drain containers that hold water to eliminate mosquito breeding sites and prevent the spread of illness.
• Tip out standing water in flowerpots, planters, children’s toys, wading pools and buckets.
• Make sure doors and windows fit tightly and are in good repair to keep mosquitoes out.