West NIle Virus season means minding mosquitoes

West Nile virus season runs May through October, and health officials are cautioning residents to use preventive measures to deter mosquito growth in their neighborhoods. Residents are urged to clean areas of standing water and to take precautions when outside. “We are at the beginning of the season for increased mosquito activity,” says Dr. Kim Turner, interim health director of the Fulton County Department of Health and Wellness.

Symptoms of the virus include headache, fever, neck discomfort, muscle and joint aches, swollen lymph nodes and a rash. West Nile virus can cause encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the spinal cord and lining of the brain). People with compromised immune systems or other underlying conditions are at greater risk for complications from the disease. Turner adds, “Transmission of this potentially serious illness from mosquito to human is high.” In January 2009, the Fulton County Board of Commissioners approved an additional $150,000 in contingency to support mosquito control activities of the Fulton County Department of Health & Wellness to prevent West Nile virus.