As a Dougherty County man recovers from West Nile Virus, Public Health officials confirm a fifth mosquito sample tested positive for the virus in Lowndes County.
We told you Friday about the 64-year-old man who is the first person confirmed to have the disease in Southwest Georgia this year. Tonight, health officials have some tips to keep you safe as more mosquitoes come out.
Buckets of standing water are breeding grounds for mosquito, you should always make sure to keep those emptied if they're in your yard. And we talked to one grandmother today who says she's almost scared to come outside.
Diann Tillery says it's a tough decision to make on whether to go outside. This coming on the heels of recent findings of West Nile in South Georgia.
"Makes you think twice before you even want to go outdoors at your own home," said Diann Tillery.
Tillery and Linda Smith are enjoying a day at Turtle Park with their grandchildren. Health officials say they should be very careful outside this summer since both are more likely to fall victim of the deadly virus.
The population most at risk for West Nile Vile is the elderly, children and those with a compromised immune system," said Epidemiologist Jacqueline Jenkins.
And one of the easiest ways to protect yourself from mosquitoes that may be carrying the West Nile Virus is to spray on plenty of insect repellant with DEET.
"I put sun block on her that has the bug repellant in it and try to keep her down in it two to three times," said Tillery.
"I usually put on insect repellant or sometime long sleeves or even both," said Smith.
Another way to protect yourself from mosquitoes is to eliminate breeding grounds for them. That means don't leave anything that collects standing water around.
"Mosquitoes can breed in like a drop of water so that means if you have any containers or flower pots or bird baths, make sure you keep those clean," said Jenkins.
As for Tillery and Smith, the say they are going to do anything they can to keep their loved ones safe.
Health officials also say avoid being outdoors at dusk and dawn because that's when mosquitoes are most active. And if possible set up outdoor fans to keep mosquitoes from flying near you.
If the current proposed deal is accepted there may also be a 1% reduction in how much the county gives Economic Development commission… saving the county around $2,500.
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Linda Smith puts on insect repellant and long sleeves.
Diann Tillery says it's a tough decision to make on whether to go outside.
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