Health officials: First case of West Nile Virus in humans
Health officials in Georgia said they have confirmed the first case of West Nile Virus contracted by a human this year in the state.
The Georgia Department of Public Health said a metro Atlanta man contracted and has since recovered from the virus.
They are urging residents to protect themselves against mosquitoes which spread the virus. They advise making sure there is no standing water around homes, limit going outdoors around dusk and dawn, and using insect repellent containing the DEET.
Anyone who experiences headache, fever, neck discomfort, muscle and joint aches, swollen lymph nodes, and a rash are advised to go to the doctor to be checked for the virus. Health officials said symptoms can develop three to 15 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.
To learn more about West Nile Virus visit the CDC’s page at cdc.gov/westnile.