Mosquito in Jasper County Tested Positive for West Nile Virus

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Published on August 30 2018 11:21 am
Last Updated on August 30 2018 1:51 pm
Written by Greg Sapp

Routine mosquito testing in Jasper County has identified the first West Nile virus positive insect this year. The mosquito was collected and tested on Wednesday.

Health officials say the finding of West Nile virus positive mosquitoes is an indication personal protection is needed to protect yourself from mosquito bites.

Jasper County Health Department Administrator Deborah Riddle said a sampling of mosquitoes was collected Wednesday afternoon within the city limits of Newton and one mosquito in the sampling tested positive for the West Nile virus.

Effingham County Health Department Administrator Jeff Workman said it's important for citizens to remember the Three R's; reduce your exposure to mosquitoes, repel them by wearing insect repellent, and report areas where mosquitoes typically breed.

West Nile virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes pick up the virus by feeding on an infected bird. The illness is not spread from person to person. Most people infected with West Nile virus show no symptoms. However, some people may experience fever, nausea, headache and muscle aches. Symptoms may last from a few days to a few weeks. In rare cases, severe illness including meningitis or encephalitis, or even death, can occur. People older than 50 are at higher risk for severe illness from West Nile virus.

Riddle reminds that mosquitoes are known to carry other diseases in addition to West Nile so caution is advisable.

Effingham County Health Department conducts surveillance for West Nile virus throughout the county via the submission of dead crows, blue jays, robins and other perching birds. Additionally, health department personnel respond to concerns of mosquito production sites and apply larvacide within various communities in the county.