Mosquito infected with West Nile Virus detected in downtown Brunswick

GLYNN COUNTY, Ga. — West Nile Virus has been detected in a mosquito in downtown Brunswick, according to a release from the Glynn County Department of Health.

The Department of Health said this is the first mosquito that has tested positive for West Nile Virus in Glynn County in 2021.

DOH said Glynn County Public Works is taking active mosquito prevention measures in the county.

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There has been one confirmed human case of WNV this year in Georgia and none in the eight Coastal Health District counties, which covers Bryan, Camden, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, Liberty, Long and McIntosh.

Humans can catch West Nile Virus if they are bitten by an infected mosquito.

The Department of Health said about 20% of people who are infected will have mild symptoms like a fever, headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash -- however, most who are infected with the virus do not feel sick.

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One out of 150 infected people develop a severe, sometimes fatal, illness, the DOH said.

The DOH said residents are always encouraged to follow the “5 Ds” of mosquito bite prevention:

• Dusk/Dawn – Avoid dusk and dawn activities during the summer when mosquitoes are most active.
• Dress – Wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants to reduce the amount of exposed skin.
• DEET – Cover exposed skin with an insect repellent containing the DEET, which is the most effective repellent against mosquito bites.
• Drain – Empty any outdoor containers holding standing water because they are breeding grounds for virus-carrying mosquitoes.
• Doors – Make sure doors and windows are in good repair and fit tightly, and fix torn or damaged screens to keep mosquitoes out of the house.

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