Human case of West Nile Virus in Dougherty County confirmed

ALBANY, Ga. - Southwest Georgia Public Health District Director Dr. Jacqueline Grant announced today that a 77-year-old Northwest Albany resident has tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). It is the first case of the mosquito-borne illness to be confirmed in the district in 2007.

"He has been released from the hospital and is recovering," Grant said. "The patient had spent a significant amount of time outdoors at risk of exposure to mosquitoes prior to becoming ill."

Those most at risk of developing serious illnesses when infected with West Nile are people over 50 and those with weakened immune systems, she said.

She said most people who are infected with the disease do not have symptoms. “Those with a mild infection may experience flu-like symptoms such as headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, swollen lymph nodes and rashes,” Grant said. “A small number of people infected may develop serious illnesses such as meningitis, which is swelling of the membrane surrounding the spinal cord; or encephalitis, which is swelling of the brain.”

Thirteen other Georgia residents have been diagnosed with the disease so far this year, said Southwest District Public Health Epidemiologist Jackie Jenkins.

In 2006, eight Georgians contracted West Nile Virus. Of that number, three were Dougherty County residents. One of the Dougherty cases was a fatality.

"We have been urging residents to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites and to control mosquito breeding because the signs pointed to this being an extremely active mosquito season," Jenkins said.

"On Wednesday, Sept. 12, at 6 p.m., we will hold a West Nile Virus education program at the Dougherty County Health Department. This event is free and open to the public. We encourage people to come so they can learn more about the disease and what they can do to protect themselves and their loved ones," she said.

The health department is located at 1710 South Slappey Boulevard.

"We know that West Nile virus is here to stay in our district," Grant said. "Residents need to be proactive."

Ways to reduce the risk of catching West Nile Virus include: