DeKalb sees his first death linked to West Nile in 2018

A 90 – year – old Dunwoody woman died of West Nile virus, making her the first person to die of the virus in DeKalb County in 2018, health officials said Thursday.

Death is also Georgia's second of the virus this year.

"On behalf of the Board of Health, we extend our deepest and sincere condolences to the family during this difficult time," said Elizabeth DeKalb District Health Director, Elizabeth Ford, in a statement. "Although it is rare, in some cases, West Nile virus can be fatal."

This is the second human case associated with West Nile virus reported in Dunwoody in less than a month. On September 7th, a man in his 20s was infected with the virus, making it the first confirmed human case of the year in the county.

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At the time, officials said that the man was recovering at home. Its updated condition has not been published.

In July, DeKalb health workers trapped a mosquito in Tucker that was positive for West Nile virus. The Health Commission says it routinely traps mosquitoes and strains for viruses as part of a comprehensive mosquito control program.

Ford said that despite the fall weather conditions, everyone had to take precautions because the risk of contracting the virus persisted as soon as the temperature was above 50 degrees.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1 in 5 people infected with West Nile virus develop fever and other symptoms, and about 1 in 150 people develop a serious illness that can be fatal.

Georgia had its first death due to the virus in August, according to the Georgia Ministry of Public Health. The circumstances surrounding this death, including the place where it occurred, were not disclosed.

The state has had seven human cases reported from West Nile this year, including the recent fatal case. DeKalb health officials are conducting door-to-door campaigns to help eliminate mosquito breeding sites to prevent mosquito bites.

Here are a few tips:

• Reduce exposure outdoors at dawn and dusk, during which time mosquitoes that transmit West Nile virus are the most active. if you are outside at this time, wear a long-sleeved shirt, pants and socks
• Use an insect repellent containing DEET, picaridine, lemon eucalyptus oil or IR3535
• Spray clothes with products containing permethrin
• Reduce mosquito breeding by eliminating stagnant water in gutters and objects such as planters, toys, wheelbarrows and old tires
• Discourage mosquitoes from hanging around by cutting tall grass, weeds and grapes
• Make sure your windows and mosquito nets are snug