According to a new report by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution,
Two mosquito traps in the Atlanta area recently tested positive for West Nile virus, public health officials said, prompting warnings about the potential health impacts as late summer approaches.
So now, naturally, we’ve all got questions: what is West Nile virus? How do you catch it? How do you avoid it? Keep scrolling for all the details on this virus & how to stay safe!
What is West Nile virus?
West Nile Virus (WNV) is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the continental U.S. and can cause neurological disease and sometimes even death in people. It’s commonly found in Africa, Europe, the Middle East, North America, and West Asia.
Is West Nile virus new to Atlanta?
The AJC reports that West Nile virus is not new to Georgia, however, “very few cases of infection typically occur each year.” The state of Georgia as a whole has had 81 total documented cases from 2018 – 2022, averaging 20 cases per year.
However, in 2024, the cases increased significantly, to 53 cases that year, up from only 19 in 2023, according to the CDC.
Is the West Nile virus in Atlanta already this year (2025)?
Yes. The Atlanta Journal Constitution states:
The Fulton County Board of Public Health reported this week that traps in Hapeville and northwest Atlanta tested positive for West Nile virus, meaning mosquitoes carrying it are flying around in the city with the potential to infect humans through their bloodsucking bite.
When is the typical West Nile virus season in Atlanta?
The typical season for West Nile virus in Atlanta is late summer, when mosquitos are out the most. Hot, humid weather is perfect for mosquitos to reproduce.
What are the symptoms of West Nile virus?
About 20% of people who become infected with WNV will develop West Nile fever. Symptoms include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Tiredness
- Body aches
- Nausea & vomiting
- Skin rash (on the trunk of the body)
- Swollen lymph glands
1 in 150 persons infected with the West Nile virus will develop a more severe form of disease, also called neuroinvasive disease, such as West Nile encephalitis or meningitis or West Nile poliomyelitis. These symptoms include:
- Headache
- High fever
- Neck stiffness
- Stupor
- Disorientation
- Coma
- Tremors
- Convulsions
- Muscle weakness
- Numbness and paralysis
However, approximately 80% of infected people don’t show any symptoms.
How do you get West Nile virus?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is possible for humans to contract West Nile virus by being bitten by a mosquito who has fed on infected birds.
Birds are the natural hosts of West Nile virus, and mosquitoes that have bitten infected birds may inject it into humans or animals that they bite after feeding on the infected birds.
The virus may also be transmitted through contact with other infected animals, their blood, or other tissues.
How do you diagnose West Nile virus?
The WHO states that West Nile virus can be diagnosed by a number of different tests:
- IgG antibody sero-conversion (or significant increase in antibody titers) in two serial specimen collected at a one week interval by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA);
- IgM antibody capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA);
- neutralisation assays;
- viral detection by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay, and
- virus isolation by cell culture.
How do you treat West Nile virus?
Usually no treatment is needed for West Nile because people who become infected will usually get better on their own.
However, patients with neuroinvasive West Nile virus require close monitoring, according to the CDC, and may need to be hospitalized to receive intravenous fluids, respiratory support, and prevention of secondary infections.
Can West Nile be transmitted person to person?
A very small proportion of human infections have occurred through organ transplant, blood transfusions, and breast milk, but, to date, no human-to-human transmission of WNVthrough casual contact has been documented.
However, the CDC states that those with WNV disease should not donate blood for 4 months after their illness.
How do you reduce the risk of contracting West Nile virus?
The Fulton County health department recommends the ‘5Ds of mosquito bite prevention’ to aid in preventing mosquito bites and breeding:
- Dusk/Dawn – Avoid dusk and dawn activities during the summer when mosquitoes are most active.
- Dress – Wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants to reduce the amount of exposed skin.
- DEET – Cover exposed skin with an insect repellent containing DEET, which is the most effective repellent against mosquito bites.
- Drain – Empty any containers holding standing water – buckets, barrels, flowerpots, tarps – because they are breeding grounds for virus-carrying mosquitoes.
- Doors – Make sure doors and windows are in good repair and fit tightly and fix torn or damaged screens to keep mosquitoes out of the house.
Also trim or remove overgrown grass or weeds!
If you have more questions about West Nile virus, you can read more on the World Health Organization’s website, here!