A Chatham country resident is confirmed to have been infected with West Nile Virus (WNV). WNV is transmitted through mosquito bites and can cause mild to severe illness. It is currently circulating among the mosquito population in Chatham county and other areas in Georgia.
Four out of 5 infected individuals will not develop any type of illness. The remaining 20 percent may develop West Nile fever. Symptoms include: fever, headache, tiredness, body aches, occasionally a skin rash and swollen lymph glands.
An approximated 1 out of 150 infected individuals may contract a severe West Nile disease. Symptoms include: headache, high fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness and paralysis. People over age 50 and individuals with compromised immune systems are at a higher risk to contract this severe disease.
Coastal Health District officials urge residents to take appropriate precautions now and throughout the summer to minimize mosquitoes in their area and protect themselves from bites. The Chatham County Health Department offers residents the following five “D”s of prevention:
● Dusk – Mosquitoes carrying WNV usually bite at dusk
and dawn.
● Dawn – Avoid outdoor activity at dusk and dawn if possible. If
you must be outside, be sure to protect yourself from bites.
● Dress – Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants to reduce the amount
of exposed skin.
● DEET – Cover exposed skin with an insect repellent containing the
chemical DEET, which is the most effective repellent against mosquito
bites.
● Drain – Empty any containers holding standing water because they
can be excellent breeding grounds for virus-carrying mosquitoes.
