Taking the sting out of mosquitoes

Published 8:00 am Tuesday, July 23, 2019

Mosquitoes have tested positive for the West Nile Virus not far away in Lowndes County.

They do almost every year, and 2019 is no different, according to the Georgia Department of Public Health’s South Health District.

Symptoms of West Nile Virus include headache, fever, joint pain, body ache, vomiting, diarrhea and rash. Severe symptoms include neurological illness which may include headaches, high fever, stiffness in neck, disorientation, coma, tremors, seizures or paralysis, according to South Health District.

A couple of human cases of West Nile Virus have been reported in Lowndes County since 2012.

With high temperatures and recent rains, the possibility of mosquito-borne illnesses rises.

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Mosquitoes seem to be everywhere.

They are in the backyard but they can also be found hovering around doorways, near kitchen sinks and bath tubs.

While warm weather prompts their return, mosquitoes are like people in they are seeking cooler places to be.

They hover around standing water.

They seek shade.

They are more likely to be abundant in the early morning and evening hours.

Their bites are often described as pesky, but they can be deadly.

Mosquitoes transmit deadly viruses such as West Nile and Eastern Equine Encephalitis.

People should take precautions in dealing with mosquitoes.

Lowering the mosquito population reduces the chances of a person becoming infected by such viruses, according to health officials.

Remove standing water from outside of the home. This includes emptying buckets, bird feeders, water bowls, etc.

If wearing short sleeves and shorts, make sure children have been sprayed with a safe mosquito repellent.

Wearing long sleeves and pants works best but may be uncomfortable in the southwest Georgia heat.

Spray mosquito repellent around doorways in and out of the house and window sills.

A little precaution will make the outdoors more pleasant while possibly averting a tragedy.