Updated at 3:30 p.m.
Health officials are urging people to take precautions after mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus have been identified in parts of Georgia.
At least a half dozen Georgians contracted West Nile virus as of Aug. 27, according to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, with at least two of the infected individuals living in Dekalb and Fulton counties.
Nationwide, there have so far been at least 289 reports of West Nile virus this year.
West Nile is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the United States. It can spread with a single bite from an infected mosquito, and there are no vaccines or medicines to prevent the disease.
Although most people bitten will not experience any symptoms, some may develop a fever with headache, body ache, vomiting, diarrhea, joint pain or rash. One in 150 people may also develop neurologic disease, with symptoms including high fever, headache, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, coma tremors, disorientation, numbness and paralysis.
The best way to avoid it is to protect yourself from mosquito bites. Examples include wearing loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants while outside and using insect repellent, according to the Georgia Department of Public Health.
The CDC also recommends removing any sources of standing water around your home, as this is where mosquitos typically lay their eggs.
In Fulton County, crews are beginning EPA-approved insecticide applications around affected areas.
Meimei Xu contributed reporting.
Editor’s Note: This article was updated to clarify the information provided by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, including the total number of metro Atlanta residents infected and the total number of national cases.
