A mosquito sample collected from Downtown Brunswick, Ga., has tested positive for West Nile Virus, according to the Glynn County Health Department.
Health officials told WJCT News in an email Monday that once West Nile is detected in mosquitoes it is an indication that the virus is actively circulating in local mosquito populations, regardless of the specific location of positive mosquito pools.
This is the first positive West Nile Virus mosquito sample in Glynn County so far this year. Glynn County Public Works is taking mosquito prevention measures in the county.
There has been one confirmed human case of West Nile this year in Georgia, but not in Glynn or any of the other seven Coastal Health District counties. West Nile is transmitted to humans by the bite of infected mosquitoes.
The Health Department said most people infected with West Nile do not feel sick, while about 20% of people who are infected will have mild symptoms like a fever, headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash.
West Nile Virus infections can be life threatening. One out of 150 infected people develop a severe, sometimes fatal, illness, according to the Health Department.
Area residents are encouraged to pay extra attention to the “5 Ds” of mosquito bite prevention:
- Dusk/Dawn – Avoid dusk and dawn activities during the summer when mosquitoes are most active.
- 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 the DEET, which is the most effective repellent against mosquito bites.
- Drain – Empty any outdoor containers holding standing water because they are 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.
