The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) has confirmed the first human case of West Nile Virus in the Coastal Health District in 2026. The individual is an adult resident of Chatham County. This is the second confirmed human case in Georgia this year to date.
West Nile Virus (WNV) is a potentially serious illness transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 80% of people who get WNV won’t have symptoms. Those who do develop symptoms typically experience fever, headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. However, a small number of people will develop severe symptoms affecting the central nervous system, which could be fatal. Last year there were 18 confirmed human cases of WNV in Georgia residents, and 1 in the Coastal Health District.
There is no vaccine to prevent WNV, and no treatment other than supportive care for the symptoms. The Coastal Health District reminds everyone to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
Mosquitoes that carry WNV are more likely to bite during the evening, night, and early morning. Wearing insect repellent containing the chemical DEET or picaridin will help keep mosquitoes away. Eliminate standing water around the home and yard to keep mosquitoes from breeding.
The Five Ds of mosquito bite prevention can help prevent mosquito bites and breeding:
- 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 DEET or picaridin, which are the most effective repellents against mosquito bites.
- Drain: Empty any containers holding standing water – buckets, barrels, flowerpots, tarps – 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.
