2 of 4 West Nile Cases In State From Floyd County
Even though cooler fall temperatures have arrived, Floyd County residents should still continue to protect themselves from West Nile virus. This warning comes as Northwest Georgia Public Health’s Dr. Wade Sellers confirms Georgia’s 4th human case this year of West Nile virus (WNV) in Floyd County. This is Floyd’s 2nd case in 2008. The state’s other two WNV cases this year have been in Fulton and Cobb counties.
“The 63-year-old patient is still hospitalized, but is improving and is scheduled to start rehab soon,” according to Northwest Georgia Public Health Public Information Officer Logan Boss. “Specimens were sent to the Georgia Public Health Lab for West Nile testing and were positive. Medical staff and the patient’s family have been notified of these results, and our epidemiologists are continuing their investigation.” The individual reported receiving mosquito bites outdoors.
“We still want residents to understand that anytime the temperature is over 50 degrees, our mosquito population will remain active and biting,” Boss said. “With the cooler night temperatures, the risk for WNV is decreasing, as the virus slows its replication in the mosquito when temperatures are consistently below 50 degrees. However, low risk does not mean no risk, and we still have many warm days ahead of us. So residents must continue to protect themselves and their family members when outdoors either working or playing. Don’t put away the mosquito repellant just yet.” Boss added that people should also dump out or treat standing water and that hand-held foggers can also be used to help reduce adult mosquito populations where needed.
West Nile virus is spread to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. People age 50 and older and those with compromised immune systems may experience an increased risk of severe complications, even death, from the virus.
Northwest Georgia Public Health recommends several ways to reduce your exposure to the virus:
Use effective mosquito repellant with DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus and apply according to the label instructions.
Spray clothing with products containing permethrin or DEET according to label instructions.
Keep window screens repaired so mosquitoes cannot enter the home.
Dispose of discarded tires, cans and other containers left outside that may collect standing water.
Dump any standing water from wading pools, hot tub covers, plant pots, wheelbarrows, boats and canoes.
Keep drains, ditches and culverts clean of trash and weeds so water will drain properly.
Clean gutters and downspouts to ensure they drain properly.
Change the water in birdbaths, pet dishes and wading pools every 3-4 days.
Trim tall grass, weeds and vines since mosquitoes use these places to rest during hot daylight hours.
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