ATLANTA — The Georgia Department of Public Health has confirmed that one person has died from West Nile virus.
New data released on Wednesday afternoon confirms eight cases in Chatham, DeKalb and Fulton counties.
One of those cases has led to someone’s death. Officials have not confirmed in which county the death occurred.
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The CDC says West Nile infections occur during mosquito season, which runs from summer into the fall, with reported illnesses typically peaking in late August and early September.
Most people infected with the virus show no symptoms. Some may have mild flu-like symptoms or a rash.
The best protection against West Nile is preventing mosquito bites. The CDC recommends using an EPA-registered insect repellent, wearing long, loose-fitting clothing when possible and taking extra precautions between dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes that can spread West Nile are most active.
Health officials also recommend eliminating standing water around homes, including water that can collect in buckets, flowerpots, birdbaths and other containers where mosquitoes can breed.
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