Weeks after West Nile virus was found in the city of Decatur, a mosquito collection from a DeKalb County Board of Health sampling station at Lake Avondale in Avondale Estates has reportedly tested positive.
The city sent an advisory to residents.
“While most people infected with West Nile virus have no symptoms or experience mild flu-like symptoms, the virus potentially can cause serious and sometimes fatal illness,” the note said. “The chance that any one person is going to become ill from a single mosquito bite is low.”
» Read more: Worried about West Nile? Expert advice to prevent mosquito bites
The risk of severe illness and death is highest for people older than 50, though people of all ages can become ill. "The easiest and best way to avoid West Nile virus is to prevent mosquito bites," the advisory said. "While the potential for WNV transmission exists throughout the metro area, this WNV-positive collection does indicate a higher risk at this time in your area."
As Decatur said after its discovery, Avondale Estates said: “The DeKalb County Board of Health is aggressively working to prevent West Nile virus transmission.”
To stay safe, the advisory suggested eliminating any containers and other removable breeding sites which may hold water for five or more days. Bird baths and the like can be dumped and rinsed twice a week but do need continual attention. Also, gutters should be cleaned and checked for proper draining.
For a mosquito prevention checklist, click here.
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