The DeKalb County Health Department is reporting that mosquitoes collected in traps in the City of DeKalb  have tested positive for West Nile Virus(WNV). There have been no human cases in DeKalb County so far  this year. Additionally due to Avian Flu concerns, dead birds will not be tested this year for WNV. If  you have a dead bird in your yard, use a shovel or wear disposable gloves to pick it up. If you don’t  have gloves, turn a plastic bag inside out and use it to pick up the carcass. Double-bag the carcass and  throw it away in your regular trash. 

West Nile virus is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected  after feeding on an infected bird. It is important to remember that not all mosquitoes, or birds, carry  West Nile virus – most do not. 

Most people with the virus have no clinical symptoms of illness, but some may become ill three to 14  days after the bite of an infected mosquito. Illness from West Nile is usually mild and includes fever,  headache and body aches, but serious illness, such as encephalitis and meningitis have been known to  develop. Persons older than 50 years of age have the highest risk of severe disease. 

“The most effective way to prevent you or your family from being infected is to reduce the chances of  being bitten by mosquitoes” says Greg Maurice, Director of Health Protection. “This includes  eliminating standing water from around your house and using mosquito repellent when outside.”  Maurice offers these tips: 

• Avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are most active, especially between dusk and dawn. • When outdoors, wear shoes and socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt, and apply insect  repellent that includes DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus according to label instructions.  Consult a physician before using repellents on infants. 
• Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens. Repair or replace screens that have  tears or other openings. Try to keep doors and windows shut, especially at night. • Change water in birdbaths weekly. Properly maintain wading pools and stock ornamental ponds  with fish. Turn over any buckets, garbage cans, or other containers that collect water. 

For additional information, check the DeKalb County Health Department website at  https://health.dekalbcounty.org/services/nuisance-complaints/ To learn more about the many  programs and services of the Health Department, visit http://health.dekalbcounty.org/ or  follow us on social media.