VALDOSTA, Ga. (WALB) - More mosquitoes have tested positive for the West Nile Virus in Lowndes County.
The Georgia Department of Public Health says recent heavy rain could be to blame.
According to Courtney Sheeley, Public Information Officer for the South Health District, officials don't typically see this amount of mosquitoes test positive for the West Nile Virus, until August.
Sheeley says wet, swampy areas are the perfect conditions for mosquitoes to breed, and spread disease.
"The city is doing spraying within the city limits. And then if you live in Lowndes County, you can go by the Public Works department and get free Larvicide to put around your property," said Sheeley.
Sheeley adds you may or may not feel the symptoms if you've infected, but to call your doctor if you have a fever or joint discomfort after being bitten.
The best way to prevent infection is to wear bug spray whenever you're outside.
VALDOSTA, Ga. (WTXL) - The Georgia Department of Public Health says more than 20 mosquitoes have tested positive for West Nile Virus in Lowndes County.
The Georgia Department of Public Health has confirmed 24 mosquito samples have tested positive for West Nile Virus. There is no vaccine for humans for this mosquito-borne disease, nor is there a specific treatment.
Health officials are urging that residents take the following precautions:
- Use insect repellent containing DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, or PMD. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label.
- Any containers that can collect water should be discarded or dumped daily.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks when outdoors, especially at dawn and dusk to reduce the amount of exposed skin, as weather permits.
- Avoid being outdoors from dusk to dawn, peak mosquito biting times, if possible.
- Set up outdoor fans to keep mosquitoes from flying near you.
Symptoms of WNV include headache, fever, neck discomfort, muscle and joint aches, swollen lymph nodes and a rash that usually develop two to 14 days after being infected. Severe cases of EEE begin with the sudden onset of headache, high fever, chills and vomiting.
The elderly, those with compromised immune systems, or those with other underlying conditions are at greater risk for complications from the disease.
Those with severe cases are hospitalized and receive supportive care such as intravenous fluids and respiratory treatment.
Officials say the best protection is to avoid being bitten.
According to Lowndes County PIO, Paige Dukes, Lowndes County is following local spraying protocols.
The Public Works Department is offering free larvicide to residents in the unincorporated area. Larvicide can help reduce mosquito populations in areas where standing water cannot be eliminated through traditional drainage methods.
For more information, contact Lowndes County Public Works at 229-671-2700.
According to Ashlyn Becton, the City of Valdosta uses every resource available to protect its citizens from mosquito-borne diseases through a Public Works operated spraying and larvicide program, a joint surveillance program with Valdosta State University and Lowndes County, and through public education.
The city operates a spraying program on a four-day cycle throughout the City with spraying five days a week, if needed, at dusk. Spraying typically begins in early April.
In addition to the City’s normal spraying program, when an infected mosquito, human or animal is found, the City activates its response plan, calling for immediate, intensive and continued spraying in the areas where the viruses have been positively identified.
The City’s Public Works Department treats nearly two dozen bodies of stagnant water on public property each month utilizing Larvicide tablets. These tablets are also available for free to city residents who maintain their own privately-owned bodies of stagnant water.
Citizens with questions about mosquito safety may call the Public Works Department at 229-259-3597.
