Another mosquito trap tests positive for West Nile virus in DeKalb County

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — Another mosquito trap in DeKalb County has tested positive for West Nile virus, bringing the total this year up to eight.

DeKalb Public Health officials said they received lab confirmation Monday that a trap in the 30316 area code tested positive for the virus. The area encompasses East Atlanta and unincorporated DeKalb.

Officials said there have been no human cases of West Nile virus in the county this year.

There have been two human cases in Georgia, one in Muscogee County and another in Chatham County, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Since July 18, eight traps have tested positive in DeKalb County.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Another DeKalb County mosquito trap tests positive for West Nile virus

On Aug. 18, health officials reported a trap in the 30329 area code tested positive. The area encompasses Atlanta, Brookhaven, Chamblee and North Druid Hills in unincorporated DeKalb County.

On Aug. 17, they announced four more positive results in 30002 (Avondale Estates), 30021 (Clarkston), 30340 (Doraville) and 30035 (the Decatur-Stonecrest area). On July 22, health officials said traps in 30088 (Redan) and 30360 (Doraville) tested positive.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: 4 more mosquito traps test positive for West Nile virus in DeKalb County, health officials say

Traps in Fulton County have also tested positive for West Nile.

The virus is mainly spread through mosquito bites, according to the 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.

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