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South Health District Press Release:
Valdosta – The Georgia Public Health Department confirmed that twenty-four mosquito samples tested positive for West Nile Virus in the County of Lowndes. Public health officials continue to encourage southern Georgians to protect themselves from mosquito exposure
People are urged to take the following precautions:
- Use an insect repellent containing DEET , Picaridine, IR3535 or PMD. Be sure to follow the label instructions
- Any containers that collect water should be discarded or discarded daily.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks on the outside, especially at dawn and dusk.
- Avoid being out of the twilight at dawn and, if possible, sting as much mosquitoes as possible
- Install outdoor fans to prevent mosquitoes from flying near you.
WNV Symptoms Includes headache, fever, neck discomfort, muscle and joint pain, swollen lymph nodes, and rashes that usually appear 2 to 14 days after the start. infection. Elderly people, those with weakened immune systems or those with other underlying conditions, have a higher risk of complications from the disease. Severe cases of EEE begin with the sudden onset of headache, high fever, chills and vomiting.
There is no human vaccine for these mosquito-borne diseases, nor any specific treatment. People with severe cases are hospitalized and receive supportive care such as intravenous fluids and respiratory treatments. The best protection is to avoid being bitten. Horses can be vaccinated against certain mosquito-borne diseases by contacting a local veterinarian.
Lowndes County PIO says Paige Dukes of Lowndes County follows local spraying protocols. The Public Works Department offers free larvicide to residents of the unincorporated area. Larvicide can help reduce mosquito populations in areas where stagnant water can not be eliminated by traditional drainage methods. For more information, contact Lowndes County Public Works at 229-671-2700.
According to Ashlyn Becton, the city of Valdosta uses all the resources available to municipalities to protect its citizens from mosquito-borne diseases through spraying and public works. joint monitoring program with the State University of Valdosta and Lowndes County, and through public education.
The city runs a four-day spraying program throughout the city and sprays five days a week, if necessary, at dusk. . The spray usually starts in early April. In addition to the City's normal spraying program, when a mosquito, an infected human or animal is found, the City implements its intervention plan, requiring immediate, intensive, and continuous spraying in the areas where viruses have been positively identified.
The city's public works department treats nearly two dozen bodies of stagnant water every month on public property using Larvicide tablets. These tablets are also available for free for residents of the city who maintain their own private stagnant water bodies. Citizens with questions about mosquito safety can call the Public Works Department at 229-259-3597.
For more information on mosquito-borne diseases, call your local health department or visit www.cdc.gov/19659016.]
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