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DUNWOODY, Ga. – A Dunwoody woman is the latest victim of a dangerous virus transmitted by a mosquito that is spreading in Georgia.
A spokesman for the DeKalb County Health Department said the 90-year-old victim died overnight from West Nile virus.
This is the first time that the county has died of the virus in three years. On 2 October, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported another death in that state.
DeKalb County officials reported an increase in the number of mosquitoes tested positive for the virus at the end of July. At that time, Dunwoody, Brookhaven, Decatur and Tucker mosquito traps all showed signs of the disease. At the end of August, health authorities confirmed the discovery of West Nile virus in the animal.
The signs of West Nile virus are like a cold or flu: headache, fever, muscle and joint pain, swollen lymph nodes or rashes. Symptoms can appear between three and 15 days after being stung.
West Nile virus can be particularly dangerous for the elderly, people with weakened immune systems or those with other health problems.
The Ministry of Health of Georgia offered advice to anyone who was outside during the high mosquito season. These included:
► Avoid going out at dusk or dawn: Mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus usually bite at dusk and dawn, so avoid or limit outdoor activities at these times.
► Wear loose clothing: Wear long-sleeved shirts and loose-fitting pants to reduce the amount of skin exposed.
► Use of DEET: Cover exposed skin with an insect repellent containing DEET, the most effective repellent against mosquito bites.
► A tight seal: Make sure doors and windows are in good condition and tight, and repair torn or damaged screens to prevent mosquitoes from entering the home.
"Georgians can reduce the number of mosquitoes around their homes and yards by eliminating stagnant water," said Chris Rustin, director of Georgia's Ministry of Public Health. "Stagnant water is a fertile breeding ground for mosquitoes that can be infected with West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne diseases."
© 2018 WXIA
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