West Nile virus in Savannah, officials give prevention tips

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - It’s mosquito season. While the bugs are a typical fixture here in the south, officials are warning people to be extra cautious outdoors.

Chatham County Mosquito Control recently reported a mosquito near midtown Savannah tested positive for the West Nile virus.

“Mosquitoes in general are things you don’t want to get bit by. Not only are they a nuisance, but they do carry diseases,” said Dr. Bonzo Reddick, Director, Georgia DPH Coastal Health District.

All it takes is one bite from an infected mosquito to spread the West Nile Virus.

The Georgia Department of Public Health reported 54 cases of West Nile virus last year.

Dr. Reddick says most people experience mild symptoms like fevers, headaches or muscle aches. But for some people, the virus could cause severe neurologic disease, possibly death.

There is no cure for the disease. Doctors can only provide supportive care.

“If somebody gets West Nile virus, we’re trying to make sure they stay hydrated. If their blood pressure drops too low, we’re doing treatments and medications and interventions to try to raise their blood pressure. But a lot of it’s just watchful waiting and time,” said Dr. Reddick.

No cure doesn’t mean no hope.

Chatham County Mosquito Control helps track and treat mosquitoes in the area.

The department’s director, Ture Carlson, says the midtown Savannah mosquito sample that tested positive for West Nile on July 7 was recorded about a month later than the first virus case last year.

Which is a good sign, but a better one would be no virus. To avoid the disease, officials say prevention is key.

Mosquitoes mainly breed in standing water, like ponds, puddles, areas that flood and containers. Carlson says cleaning up the backyard can help.

“Get your tires if you have any spare tires, buckets, anything you want to keep, get it underneath storage, in a shed or something like that. A lot of people like to put out tarps out tarps will sag, and then they become the breeding place,” said Carlson.

More tips include avoid hanging outside around dusk and dawn, keep skin covered with long sleeves and pants and use an insect repellent containing DEET.