Human tests positive for West Nile Virus antibodies, Memorial Health clarifies

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - [Update 8/5/2026 at 1:36 p.m. ] Memorial Health sent us a clarifying statement regarding a patient testing positive for West Nile Virus.

Wednesday morning, health officials told us a human case of West Nile Virus was confirmed. Officials later clarified that a person tested positive for WNV antibodies which indicate a previous exposure and possible past infection that could have occurred months or years ago.

There have been no confirmed human cases of West Nile Virus (WNV) in Georgia this year to date. An individual at the hospital did test positive for WNV antibodies which indicate a previous exposure and possible past infection that could have occurred months or even years ago. Regardless, we know that WNV is circulating in our local mosquito population because of surveillance by Chatham County Mosquito Control, and we encourage everyone to take precautions against mosquito bites.

Memorial Health

The Georgia Department of Heath Coastal Health District also told WTOC there have been no confirmed human cases of West Nile Virus in Georgia so far in 2026.

[Update 8/5/2026 at 12:04 p.m. ] Memorial Health officials reached out to WTOC and said there was a second test that confirmed the West Nile Virus report may have been an older infection.

Dr. Connelly will no longer have a meeting with media about the announcement. We reached out to learn more.

[ORIGINAL STORY] A human patient tested positive for West Nile Virus on Tuesday, Memorial Health confirmed Wednesday morning.

Health officials said they rarely have a human test positive for West Nile Virus. Officials said internal medicine physician Dr. Connelly was the attending physician and ran the test.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Health officials urge caution after West Nile Virus detected in Chatham County mosquitoes

“We hear of this all the time…mosquitoes test positive for West Nile…but we rarely have a human do so. That said, cases in mosquitoes are increasing and we could have more in humans," wrote Memorial Health in an announcement to WTOC.

Connelly is expected to discuss the symptoms associated with West Nile Virus Wednesday afternoon, ranging from newly diagnosed cases to more severe presentations, as well as when patients should seek medical attention and what precautions people can take to reduce their risk.

We have reached out to the Georgia Department of Public Health Coastal Health District for more information.

Stick with WTOC as this story develops.