West Nile virus found in DeKalb County mosquito traps, health officials say

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — Two weeks after it was detected in Fulton County, West Nile virus has been found in DeKalb County as well, health officials announced on Wednesday.

Samples in two mosquito traps tested positive for the disease. The traps were in zip codes 30088 (Redan) and 30360 (Doraville). No human cases of West Nile virus have been confirmed in metro Atlanta this year.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Mosquitoes test positive for West Nile virus in Fulton County, health board says

West Nile virus is usually spread through mosquito bites, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Most people infected with the virus don’t show any symptoms, but some can become mildly or severely sick.

Mild illness might include flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea or rash. Those with a more severe case might have neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation and muscle weakness.

The DeKalb health board offers the following tips to help keep yourself safe:

• Avoid being outside during dusk and dawn. That’s when mosquitoes are the most active during the summer.
• Wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved clothing to reduce exposed skin.
• Use bug spray containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535.
• Get rid of any containers holding standing water around your home, including in buckets, barrels, flowerpots or tarps.
• Make sure your doors, windows and screens fit tightly so mosquitoes can’t enter your home.
• Trim overgrown grass, weeds and vines.

Click here to learn more about West Nile virus.