West Nile Virus in Southwest Georgia

By: Angelica Alvarez
By: Angelica Alvarez

It's summer and the pesky little insects are out in full force, feeding on animals and people, leaving bites that itch like crazy, but they can also carry deadly diseases, one of them the West Nile virus, which has already infected one person near Albany, Georgia.

Thomasville resident Janice Baty said, "That's really scary, I knew there was a case of West Nile, I just didn't know it was so close."

Health officials say the West Nile virus is mainly transmitted between animals, but the virus can pass to people who are elderly, very young, or sickly.

Thomasville Resident Mario Stephenson said, "The feeling that it's close again makes me worry about getting sick. It's making me paranoid, so I just want to watch out."

Health officials say although there is no reason for a panic, there are things people should do to avoid getting bitten. Avoid being outside when mosquitoes are most active, which is in the morning and at night, wear protective clothing, use insect repellent with DEET, and get rid of any standing water.

Thomasville resident Calvin Lewis said, "Well, I'll probably stay indoors more, and when I have to go outside I'll be more cautious."

Health experts say if you are bitten by an infected mosquito, the symptoms will be similar to the flu.

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