Valdosta Daily Times

Local News

August 4, 2012

More West Nile found

Three more mosquito pools test positive

VALDOSTA — Three more mosquito pools have tested positive for West Nile virus recently in Valdosta, raising the number to eight for the region so far this year, according to the Georgia Department of Public Health.

“South Health District’s message remains the same as before encouraging South Georgians to take all precautions against mosquito-borne illnesses,” said Courtney Sheeley, a health district representative.

Tad Williams, the health district’s environmentalist, said officials do not release the locations of affected areas out of concern that people living in the region would panic while people living outside of the affected area may not take the alert seriously. It’s best if everyone in the region respond with caution and take steps to reduce risk and the mosquito population.

“Mosquito-borne illnesses are spread through the bite of an infected mosquito,” Dr. William Grow, district health director, said in a statement. “The more time someone is outdoors, the more time the person is at risk of being bitten by an infected mosquito; that is why we are encouraging South Georgians to take all precautions against mosquito bites.”  

In addition to the West Nile virus being detected in the region’s mosquitoes, the South Health District has also reported several cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) confirmed in horses in South Georgia and one human case of West Nile virus in Albany.  

 “While most people infected with West Nile virus show no symptoms of the illness and pass it on their own, even healthy people have become severely ill for weeks when infected,” Grow said.

West Nile Virus symptoms include headache, fever, neck discomfort, muscle and joint aches, swollen lymph nodes and a rash that often develops three to 14 days following infection, according to the South Health District. Most at-risk are the elderly, people with low or compromised immune systems, and those with other health or medical concerns.

Grow said West Nile Virus has neither a vaccine nor a specific treatment. Severe cases need hospitalization where they receive intravenous fluids and respiratory treatment.

Prevention is the best remedy. Preventive measures include:

• Dispose of items containing water around your house.

• Use larvicide where standing water cannot be removed.

• Stock ornamental ponds with mosquito-eating fish.

• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, etc.; keep them covered.

• Clean out clogged gutters.

• Eliminate weeds, tall grass, etc.

• Look for things such as tarps, etc., that create unexpected puddles of water.

• Use insect repellent containing DEET.

• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.

 

For more on this story and other local news, subscribe to The Valdosta Daily Times e-Edition, or our print edition

Text Only
Local News
  • 130524crossgrd02.JPG Coleman named Crossing Guard of the Year

    For keeping the community’s children safe between homes and homerooms, crossing guards received thanks from city officials and one was named Crossing Guard of the Year during a breakfast Friday morning at Greenleaf.

    May 25, 2013 1 Photo

  • memorial day.jpg Memorial Day events planned

    Memorial Day is held each year on the final Monday of May, with this year’s observances on Monday, May 27. Across the country, Americans will honor fallen service men and women, and Lowndes County residents will have many activities available to them as they observe Memorial Day.

    May 25, 2013 1 Photo

  • SGRL.jpg VDT Weekend Update

    News Reporter Caitlin Barker speaks to Bernard Bulemu and Eric Mathis, representatives from the South Georgia Regional Library about their summer programs for kids, teens and adults during the month of June, as well as lists fun summer camps taking place in the Valdosta area.

    May 24, 2013 1 Photo

  • traffic.jpg Troopers prepare for Memorial Day traffic

    Georgia State troopers are preparing for patrols during the peak travel times this coming holiday weekend.

    May 24, 2013 1 Photo

  • 130523-semi_fire001.jpg Blaze damages cars, blocks I-75

    A tractor-trailer transporting automobiles northbound on Interstate 75 Thursday morning caught fire just north of exit 5 in Lake Park.

    May 24, 2013 1 Photo

  • VECA1.jpg VECA recognized at VSU

    Rising juniors from the Valdosta Early College Academy (VECA) were recognized at Valdosta State University Wednesday night as the first group of students to begin earning college credit while still in high school.

    May 23, 2013 1 Photo

  • 130522-disaster help second_har Businesses raise funds for Oklahoma disaster

    By now, we’ve all heard about the tragedy in Moore, Okla., a mile-wide, F5 tornado with winds of more than 200 miles per hour carved through 17 miles over a span of 50 minutes on Monday afternoon.

    May 23, 2013 1 Photo

  • N1209P63005K.jpg Southwestern State Hospital to close

    One of Thomas County’s largest employers — at more than 700 people — and a longtime regional state mental hospital will close Dec. 31.

    May 23, 2013 1 Photo

  • Oklahoma Tornado_Stew.jpg Search for survivors continues

    Helmeted rescue workers raced Tuesday to complete the search for survivors and the dead in the Oklahoma City suburb where a mammoth tornado destroyed countless homes, cleared lots down to bare red earth and claimed 24 lives, including those of nine children.

    May 22, 2013 3 Photos

  • 130521-bill_shenton003.jpg Curator offers arts a helping hand

    If you’ve been to the Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts in the past four years, you have seen the quiet art of Bill Shenton.

    May 22, 2013 2 Photos

Top News
Community Calendar
Loading…
Events by eviesays.com
Poll

What’s your best advice for graduates?

Go to college or trade school immediately.
Work for a while then seek further education.
Enter the work force.
Intern, ensure an interest is something you can do.
     View Results