1 dead from West Nile Virus in DeKalb County, officials say

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — Officials have confirmed the first death from West Nile Virus in DeKalb County this year.

Health officials say the victim is a woman in her 90s who lived in Dunwoody.

At least one other person in Georgia has died of the mosquito-borne illness.

Last year, there were 48 confirmed cases of West Nile Virus and seven deaths in Georgia.

Health officials say the best way to protect yourself from mosquitoes is:

• Reduce mosquito breeding in your yard by eliminating standing water in gutters and items such as planters, toys, wheelbarrows and old tires.
• Discourage mosquitoes from resting in your yard by trimming tall grass, weeds and vines.
• Make sure window and door screens fit tightly to keep mosquitoes out of your home.

To prevent being bitten by mosquitoes:

• Reduce outdoor exposure at dawn and dusk, when the mosquitoes that transmit West Nile virus are most active.
• Use an insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535.  Apply according to label instructions.
• Spray clothing with products containing permethrin. Also apply according to label instructions.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks when outdoors, particularly at dawn and dusk and in areas with large numbers of mosquitoes

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Cox Media Group