(AP Photo)GWINNETT COUNTY, GA (CBS ATLANTA) -
An elderly woman in Gwinnett County died after contracting West Nile Virus.
Two cases were reported among Gwinnett County residents in late August and September.
The victim was a 78-year-old woman who was diagnosed and hospitalized with West Nile Virus.
The other case, a 53-year-old, has recovered.
There have been four deaths so far in Georgia attributed to the virus.
"Protection and prevention are two important areas to focus on," says Alana Sulka, Director of Epidemiology for Gwinnett, Newton, and Rockdale County Health Departments. "The best way to avoid West Nile Virus is to prevent mosquito bites."
You can prevent bites by following these rules:
- Dusk/Dawn: Mosquitoes carrying West Nile Virus usually bite at dusk and dawn. Avoid outdoor activity at dusk and dawn if possible.
- Dress: If you must be outside, be sure to protect yourself from bites. Wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants to reduce the amount of exposed skin.
- Defend: Defend yourself by covering exposed skin with an insect repellent containing the chemical DEET, which is the most effective repellent against mosquito bites.
- Drain: Eliminate stagnant water around your home, where mosquitoes can lay eggs, by disposing of old tin cans, jars, tires, plant pots, and any other container that can hold water. Empty birdbaths, lily ponds, small wading pools, etc. at least once a week. Properly maintain backyard swimming pools to discourage the development of mosquitoes. Areas that hold water that cannot be drained – such as ponds and gutters – can be treated with larvicide.
- Doors: Make sure your home, porch, and patio have tight-fitting doors and screens that keep mosquitoes out. Consider using lights that do not attract insects.
While many infected individuals may not develop symptoms, the elderly, those with compromised immune systems, or those with other underlying conditions are at greater risk for complications from the infection.
Answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about West Nile Virus are available on the CDC website.
Copyright 2012 WGCL-TV (Meredith Corporation). All rights reserved.
