DeKalb County health officials report West Nile positive human cases

DECATUR, GA – The DeKalb County Board of Health received notification on Sept. 13, confirming its first human case of West Nile virus infection in the county for the year.

The patient, a male in his twenties, resides in the southwest area of Atlanta, within DeKalb County.

Additionally, the Board of Health officials are also investigating two additional, yet unrelated West Nile cases in the Lake Claire and the North Druid Hills areas of the county. Currently, no additional information is available, as the investigations are still ongoing.

No human case of West Nile virus in DeKalb County has been confirmed since 2020.

Larvicide application in low-lying areas and storm drains have already taken place in several areas throughout the county, including the area where the case resides. Larvicide keeps young mosquitoes from becoming flying, biting adults.

According to the CDC, no data or scientific evidence suggests that COVID-19 or other similar coronaviruses are spread by mosquitoes, although West Nile and COVID-19 share similar symptoms. Those similarities underscore the importance of having symptoms evaluated by a medical professional, particularly if you’ve recently spent an extended amount of time outdoors without wearing insect repellent. 

To reduce mosquitoes in and around your home:

• Reduce mosquito breeding in your yard by eliminating standing water in gutters and items such as planters, toys, wheelbarrows and old tires.
• Discourage mosquitoes from resting in your yard by trimming tall grass, weeds and vines.
• Make sure window and door screens fit tightly to keep mosquitoes out of your home.

To prevent being bitten by mosquitoes:

• Reduce outdoor exposure at dawn and dusk, when the mosquitoes that transmit West Nile virus are most active.
• Use an insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535.  Apply according to label instructions.
• Spray clothing with products containing permethrin. Also apply according to label instructions.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks when outdoors, particularly at dawn and dusk and in areas with large numbers of mosquitoes.

For more information about West Nile Virus, contact the DeKalb