The DeKalb County Board of Health reports its first human case ofWest Nilevirus in the county.  The individual is a 79-year-old male who lives in Tucker and is currently recovering at home. 

 “It is very unfortunate that one of our DeKalb residents has developedWest Nilevirus.  I hope this will remind everyone to continue using precautions to avoid mosquito bites,” said S. Elizabeth Ford, M.D., M.B.A., district health director of the DeKalb County Board of Health. 

This has been a busy year forWest Nilevirus activity. Surveillance has shown an abundance of the mosquito species that can carry the virus. In fact, more mosquitoes have been collected and tested positive for the virus than in previous years.

The DeKalb County Board of Health advises people to take the following precautions against being bitten by mosquitoes:

• Reduce outdoor exposure at dawn and dusk, when the mosquitoes that transmitWest Nilevirus 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, contact the DeKalb County Board of Health at (404) 508-7871 or visit dekalbpublichealth.com.

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