Georgia resident dies from West Nile Virus, health officials say
Georgia reports first West Nile virus death of year
The Georgia Department of Public Health announced the state's first West Nile virus death of the year as eight human cases are confirmed statewide. Infected mosquitoes were detected in traps across metro Atlanta.
ATLANTA - Eight human cases of West Nile virus have been confirmed in Georgia, with one death reported so far, and health officials warn the number will grow.
Atlanta West Nile threat
What we know:
Georgia health officials have confirmed eight human cases of West Nile virus across the state, including one death, according to the Georgia Department of Public Health.
Mosquito traps have tested positive for the virus in multiple locations, including Fulton, DeKalb and Chatham counties.
Most people who contract the virus show no symptoms at all.
Others develop mild flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea or a rash.
These symptoms typically appear two to six days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.
The elderly, individuals with compromised immune systems and those with underlying medical conditions face a higher risk of severe complications.
These complications include dangerous infections of the central nervous system.
What they're saying:
Kaitlyn Alonso and Dr. R. Morgan Davoudi, who frequently visit Chastain Park, said they protect themselves by putting on bug spray, using insect-deterring lotions, and wearing long sleeves.
Medical experts warn the infection carries severe risks. Dr. Cecil Bennett with Newnan Family Medicine advised people to watch for symptoms like very high fevers, severe joint pain, and trouble breathing. He noted that many infected individuals never experience symptoms, meaning actual cases could be significantly higher than official counts.
Previous West Nile deaths in Georgia
The backstory:
While this marks Georgia's first reported death from the virus this year, state health records show three people died from West Nile virus last year and seven people died in 2024.
Protection against West Nile
What you can do:
Officials recommend wearing protective clothing, putting on bug spray, and avoiding standing water or wooded areas.
Health officials urge residents to protect themselves during mosquito season, which typically lasts through October.
DPH recommends applying EPA-registered insect repellents that contain DEET (20%-30%), Picaridin, IR3535 or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus.
Wearing light-colored clothing, loose-fitting long sleeves, pants and socks helps protect against bites.
Because mosquitoes bite during both day and night hours, repellent should be used whenever spending time outdoors.
Controlling the mosquito population begins in residential yards. Property owners should drain containers holding water at least once a week or after every rainfall.
Standing water should be tipped out from flowerpots, planters, children's toys, wading pools and buckets.
Doors and windows must fit tightly and remain in good repair to keep insects out.
Unconfirmed patient details
What we don't know:
Health officials have not disclosed the locations or identities of the eight infected individuals, nor have they stated where the single fatality occurred.
It remains unknown how many additional human cases will be confirmed before mosquito season ends.
Anyone with questions about West Nile virus should speak to a healthcare provider or contact their county health department.
Additional information about the illness is available through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
The Source: The information in this story was gathered from the Georgia Department of Public Health, which released an official news bulletin detailing confirmed cases and prevention recommendations.