Health officials continue to monitor West Nile - WALB.com, Albany News, Weather, Sports

Health officials continue to monitor West Nile

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The Southwest Health District continues its precaution for the public to be aware of the risk of infection.

Four human cases of West Nile virus were confirmed in Southwest Health District last week, bringing the season's total to five.

One patient is from Lee County, three are from Dougherty County, their ages range from the 30s to the 70s and there are both men and women, it is the unusually high number of cases rather than a pattern that is a concern to Public Health.

All but one of the people infected have been released from the hospital.

Public Health officials to remind residents to take precautions against mosquito bites, because August is peak season for West Nile.

West Nile virus is a potentially dangerous mosquito-borne illness for which there is no vaccine.

Around 80 percent of those infected with West Nile show no symptoms; while up to 20 percent have symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting and sometimes swollen lymph glands or a rash.

The older you are, the more likely that you could get severely ill if you get infected. Young children and people with compromised immune systems are also at increased risk. One out of roughly 150 infected with West Nile virus develop serious symptoms.

There is no specific treatment for West Nile virus. People with severe cases are hospitalized and receive supportive care, such as intravenous fluids and respiratory treatment.

Ways to reduce the risk of being bitten include:

  • Avoid outdoor activity when mosquitoes are most active – at dawn and dusk
  • Cover exposed skin if you must be outside
  • Use insect repellent with active ingredients such as DEET, oil of lemon eucalyptus or picaridin
  • Drain standing water
  • Repair screens

Last year, 712 human cases of West Nile virus were confirmed in the United States, including 43 deaths.

For more information about West Nile Virus, go online to www.southwestgeorgiapublichealth.org. Additional information is available at www.cdc.gov.

 

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