VALDOSTA, Ga. — Mosquitoes within the Lowndes County area have tested positive for West Nile Virus, according to Department of Public Health officials. 

Health officials urged residents Wednesday to take precautions against mosquitoes while outdoors. This includes using insect repellent, reducing the amount of skin exposure and avoiding being outdoors from dusk to dawn.

Courtney Sheeley, DPH public information officer, said this is nothing out of the ordinary and confirmed viruses are detected annually in mosquitoes within the county.

“When these mosquito pools come back positive for a mosquito-borne disease, we try to use it just as a reminder to the community as to why it is so important to take those precautions against mosquito bites,” Sheeley said.

Testing was completed through Valdosta State University’s mosquito-surveillance lab, and officials were notified Tuesday afternoon, Sheeley said.

The lab identifies any potential disease-carrying mosquito species and sends them to a veterinary laboratory at the University of Georgia for culture testing.

Sheeley said there were four samples with a positive result for West Nile Virus. Symptoms consist of headache, fever, neck discomfort, muscle and joint aches, swollen lymph nodes and a rash.

“There is no vaccine for humans for these mosquito-borne diseases, nor is there a specific treatment,” according to health officials. “People with severe cases are hospitalized and receive supportive care such as intravenous fluids and respiratory treatment. The best protection is to avoid being bitten.”

Free larvicide is being offered through the Public Works Department to reduce mosquito populations in areas where there is standing water that can’t be eliminated. Call Public Works, (229) 671-2700, for more information.

Amanda Usher is a reporter at The Valdosta Daily Times. She can be contacted at 229-244-3400 ext.1274.