DeKalb County on Friday reported its first human case of West Nile virus this year, a 79-year-old man from Tucker.
The victim, whose name was not disclosed, is recovering at home, according to a news release from the DeKalb County Board of Health.
“I hope this will remind everyone to continue using precautions to avoid mosquito bites,” Dr. S. Elizabeth Ford, district health director of the Board of Health, said in the release.
Surveillance has detected an abundance of the mosquito species that can carry the virus, health officials said.
More mosquitoes have been collected and tested positive for the virus than in previous years in the county. As of Aug. 16, DeKalb's West Nile website reported that the county had recorded 71 West Nile-positive mosquito collections from 17 locations.
DeKalb advises people to take precautions against being bitten by the mosquitoes that transmit the West Niles virus by:
-- Reducing outdoor exposure at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
-- Use an insect repellant containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535.
-- Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks when outdoors, particularly at dawn and dusk and in areas with large numbers of mosquitoes.
-- Eliminate standing water in gutters, planters, toys, wheelbarrows, old tires and other places.
-- Trim tall grass, weeds and vines.
-- Make sure window and door screens fit tightly.
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