DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — Officials in DeKalb County received the first report of a human case of West Nile virus infection in 2017 on Wednesday.
According to the DeKalb County Board of Health, the patient is a 72-year-old man who lives in Brookhaven. He’s currently hospitalized.
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“It’s unfortunate that one of our residents has contracted West Nile virus,” said DeKalb County District Health Director S. Elizabeth Ford. “However, this serves as a constant reminder that everyone should be vigilant in taking the necessary precautions to avoid mosquito bites, as they are carriers of the virus.”
JUST IN: Human case of West Nile virus reported in Brookhaven pic.twitter.com/TWh0FXwbTQ
— WSB-TV (@wsbtv) July 12, 2017
Experts say the easiest and best way to avoid West Nile virus is to prevent mosquito bites.
While the potential for transmission exists throughout metro Atlanta, a positive case indicates a higher risk in the Brookhaven area.
Cox Media Group
