Mosquitoes infected with West Nile virus found in Houston County

Mosquitoes infected with West Nile virus are in Houston County.

Health officials in Houston County notified the Georgia Department of Public Health about the infected mosquitoes after they were trapped and tested during regular mosquito monitoring activities, according to a Thursday release from the state health department.

There have been no reported cases of West Nile virus in people, though.

The North Central Health District, which includes Houston County, will increase trapping and surveillance in the area. You can also help by following guidelines for mosquito prevention.

“Everyone can do their part by getting rid of standing water where mosquitoes breed and practicing personal protection from mosquitoes,” Tremayne Mitchell, vector surveillance coordinator for the district, said in the release.

Health officials also offered the following tips to prevent the spread of West Nile virus:

▪ Limit activity during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes with the potential to spread West Nile virus are most active;

▪ Wear loose-fitting clothes and long-sleeved shirts and pants to reduce the amount of exposed skin;

▪ Cover exposed skin with an insect repellant containing DEET; and

▪ Make sure doors and windows are in good condition and fit tightly.

The health department is seeing a larger number of Culex and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes in the traps compared to other species, Mitchell said in the statement. These mosquitoes can transmit West Nile virus along with other mosquito-borne diseases.

Only 20 percent of people infected with West Nile virus will show symptoms, the release states. Those symptoms include a fever, headaches, vomiting, diarrhea or rash. Most people recover completely, but weakness can linger for months. In rare cases, neurological illnesses such as encephalitis or meningitis may develop.

This story was originally published June 29, 2017 at 4:30 PM with the headline "Mosquitoes infected with West Nile virus found in Houston County."