VIDEO: Watch Dr. Janet Memark, District Health Director and Chris Hutcheson, Director of Environmental Health for Cobb & Douglas Public Health, as they discuss mosquito surveillance and prevention: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ldTzTanpNM4
What is West Nile virus?
West Nile virus is most commonly spread to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. People get infected with the virus during mosquito season, which starts in the summer and continues through fall (typically June through October). The number of people diagnosed with West Nile typically peaks in late August to early September.
Each year, about 2,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with West Nile, but this number is an underestimate as most people do not develop symptoms or attribute mild symptoms to other causes.
What are the Symptoms?
Most people infected with West Nile virus do not develop any symptoms. Symptoms usually start 2–6 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. It may take longer for symptoms to start, especially for people with a weakened immune system.
Mild illness
Some people develop mild illness with flu-like symptoms, such as fever with headache or body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. Most people with mild illness recover completely, but fatigue and weakness can last for weeks or months.
Severe illness
Some people develop severe illness, which can affect the central nervous system or illness that results in hospitalization or death. Symptoms can include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, muscle weakness, and more. Recovery from severe illness can take several weeks or months. Some effects may be permanent.
How it Spreads
West Nile virus most commonly spreads to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds.
West Nile virus can also spread through blood transfusion and organ transplantation. Rarely, the virus has also spread through exposure in a laboratory setting and from mother to baby during pregnancy, delivery, or breastfeeding.
How To Prevent Mosquito Bites
West Nile virus is spread to people through the bites of infected mosquitoes. No licensed vaccines or medicines are available to prevent West Nile in people.
The best way to protect yourself and loved ones from West Nile is to prevent mosquito bites:
- Use EPA-registered insect repellents containing DEET (20%- 30%), Picaridin, IR3535, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus.
- Wear long, loose-fitting shirts and pants so it is harder for mosquitoes to bite your skin.
- Avoid being outside between dusk and dawn when the mosquitoes that spread West Nile virus are most active.
- Use screens on windows and doors or air conditioning, if available, to keep mosquitoes outside.
- Tip: Empty, turn over, or drain water out of items like flowerpots, buckets, toys, and wading pools after it rains.
- Toss: Throw away old trash, bottle caps, cans, or unused tires that can collect rainwater
Household Level Control
In addition to keeping mosquitoes outside the home, people can consider:
- Applying mosquito dunks or other larvicides to smaller areas with permanent standing water.
- Contacting a local mosquito control district or program or licensed professional with questions, concerns, or for information about using adulticides.
For More Information
Since mosquito control can be difficult due to vacant and unmaintained properties, as well as ponded water, the Cobb and Douglas Public Health, Center for Environmental Health is available to assist in remedying these problems. If residents are having problems with mosquitoes, they can contact our Cobb County office at 770-435-7815 or our Douglas County Office at 770-920-7311.
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