Georgia health officials have issued a statewide warning after confirming one death and eight human cases of West Nile virus this year.
The Georgia Department of Public Health, 46, is urging roughly 11 million residents to take precautions against mosquito bites as the agency expects case numbers to climb through the remaining mosquito season. Traps have already tested positive for the virus in Chatham, Fulton, and DeKalb counties, signaling broader risk beyond the confirmed infections.
“Mosquito season typically lasts through October, so Georgians are urged to protect themselves from mosquito bites,” the DPH said in a news release.
The agency confirmed the eight human cases and single fatality in 2026, warning that vulnerable populations face the gravest danger. The elderly, people with compromised immune systems, and those with underlying medical conditions are most susceptible to severe complications, including infection of the central nervous system.
“The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) has confirmed eight human cases of West Nile virus (WNV) in 2026, but that number is expected to increase. DPH has also confirmed one WNV death,” the release stated. “Mosquito traps have tested positive in multiple counties, including Chatham, Fulton, and DeKalb. Mosquito season typically lasts through October, so Georgians are urged to protect themselves from mosquito bites.”
West Nile virus belongs to the flavivirus genus and the Japanese encephalitis antigenic complex of the family Flaviviridae, according to the World Health Organization. The virus can cause fatal neurological disease in humans, though roughly 80 percent of those infected never develop symptoms at all.
Those who do become ill typically experience mild, flu-like symptoms that can easily be dismissed as minor ailments. Fever, headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and rash are the most common manifestations. The incubation period ranges from two to six days after an infected mosquito bite.
The asymptomatic majority makes the virus particularly difficult to track and contain. Health officials worry that silent spreaders may not seek testing or take precautions, allowing transmission cycles to continue undetected through peak summer months.
The DPH has laid out specific protective measures for residents. The agency recommends EPA-registered insect repellents containing DEET at concentrations between 20 and 30 percent, as well as alternatives including IR3535, Picaridin, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus.
“The elderly, individuals with compromised immune systems, or those with other underlying medical conditions are at greater risk for severe complications from the disease, including infection of the central nervous system,” the release added. “DPH recommends using EPA-registered insect repellents containing DEET (20%- 30%), Picaridin, IR3535, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus. Wear light-colored clothing, including loose-fitting long sleeves, pants, and socks, to help protect against mosquito bites. Mosquitoes bite day and night, so no matter what time you’re outside, remember to use insect repellent to protect against mosquito bites.”
Clothing guidance emphasizes light-colored, loose-fitted long sleeves, pants, and socks to reduce exposed skin. The DPH stressed that mosquitoes feed during both daylight and nighttime hours, eliminating any safe window for unprotected outdoor activity.
Beyond personal protection, the agency targeted mosquito breeding grounds in residential areas. Standing water in yards serves as prime habitat for the insects to reproduce.
“After every rainfall, or at least once a week, drain containers that hold water to eliminate mosquito breeding sites and prevent the spread of illness,” the DPH advised. “Tip out standing water in flowerpots, planters, children’s toys, wading pools and buckets. Make sure doors and windows fit tightly and are in good repair to keep mosquitoes out.”