DeKalb health officials report second case of West Nile this year

Late Monday, the DeKalb County Board of Health received its second report of a human case of West Nile virus infection in the county.

The patient, a 78-year-old male, living in unincorporated DeKalb, between Chamblee and Tucker, is currently hospitalized.

To date, 30 West Nile virus positive mosquito pools have been identified from 14 locations throughout the county.

To reduce the spread of West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne diseases, the Board of Health provides an integrated mosquito control program. Program technicians routinely trap mosquitoes throughout the county, which are tested for viruses. Technicians also work with residents to reduce mosquito infestations including placing larvicide in sources of standing water, like storm drains. This keeps young mosquitoes from becoming flying biting adults.

The Board of Health continues to educate the public, including conducting door- to-door campaigns, so that individuals can help protect themselves, their homes and their communities by eliminating mosquito breeding sites.

The Board of Health reminds people to take the following precautions against 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.
• 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. 
For more information about the West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne illnesses, contact the DeKalb County Board of Health’s Environmental Health division at (404) 508-7900 or visit dekalbhealth.net/envhealth.