Public health encourages caution with mosquito-borne illness

Aug. 29--ATLANTA -- The Georgia Department of Public Health has confirmed seven human cases statewide of West Nile Virus, or WNV, so far this year, including one death.

So public health officials are encouraging people to remain vigilant in protecting themselves from being bitten.

Carolyn Maschke, a spokeswoman for the Southwest Public Health District, said the district's 14-county region has had no confirmed cases of WNV in humans, but one case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis -- or EEE -- in a horse this season. Officials in the South Health District said in a news release that there has been one human case of WNV in Echols County, while three horses tested positive for mosquito-borne diseases in Brooks, Cook and Lowndes counties this season.

State officials said one confirmed human case of EEE resulted in death. Officials said EEE is a rare illness in humans, and only a few cases are reported in the United States each year.

Georgians are urged to protect themselves from mosquito bites, particularly when they are outside this Labor Day weekend. Mosquito season in Georgia typically lasts through October, sometimes longer, depending on the weather.

"Georgians can reduce the number of mosquitoes around their homes and yards by getting rid of standing water," DPH Environmental Health Director Chris Rustin said. "Standing water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes that may be infected with West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne diseases."

Public health officials continue to promote the "Tip 'n Toss" campaign by stating that all outdoor containers that can collect water should be tipped over. Mosquitoes that carry WNV look for stagnant water to breed in, so gutters and eaves should be clear of leaves and debris.

The most effective way to protect against WNV infection and all mosquito-borne diseases is to prevent mosquito bites. Officials said the public should observe the "Five D's of Prevention" during outdoor activities this holiday weekend:

-- Dusk/Dawn: Mosquitoes carrying WNV usually bite at dusk and dawn, so avoid or limit outdoor activity at these times.

-- Dress: Wear loose-fitting, long sleeved shirts and pants to reduce the amount of exposed skin.

-- DEET: Cover exposed skin with an insect repellent containing DEET, which is the most effective repellent against mosquito bites.

-- Drain: Empty any containers holding standing water because they are excellent breeding grounds for virus-carrying mosquitoes.

-- Doors: Make sure doors and windows are in good repair and fit tightly, and fix torn or damaged screens to keep mosquitoes out of the house.

Symptoms of WNV include headache, fever, neck discomfort, muscle and joint aches, swollen lymph nodes and a rash. They usually develop three to 15 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. The elderly, those with compromised immune systems, or those with other underlying medical conditions are at greatest risk for complications from the disease.

Anyone with questions about WNV or EEE should speak to their health care provider or call their county health department. More information about mosquito-borne illnesses and mosquito repellents can be found at https://dph.georgia.gov/EnvironmentalHealth. Information about WNV and EEE can be found at https://www.cdc.gov/westnile/ or https://www.cdc.gov/easternequineencephalitis/index.html.

The DPH is the lead agency in preventing disease, injury and disability, promoting health and well-being, and preparing for and responding to disasters from a health perspective. For more information, visit www.dph.georgia.gov.

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