Keep your guard up against disease-carrying mosquitoes, urges the Public Health director. With the peak season for West Nile Virus coming up, Southwest Georgia Public Health District Health Director Dr. Jacqueline Grant is reminding residents to take precautions against being bitten by disease-carrying mosquitoes.

"Traditionally, West Nile Virus incidences peak in August, and that's right around the corner," Grant said. "We know mosquitoes infected with West Nile breed here, which is why we recommend to residents of Southwest Georgia that they wear repellent and take other steps to avoid being bitten. At this time of year it is especially important not to drop your guard."

During 2007, Georgia had 50 confirmed human cases of West Nile Virus, including one fatality. Four cases occurred in the Southwest Georgia Public Health District, Grant said. Two cases were in Miller, one in Mitchell and one in Dougherty counties.

No human cases have been reported so far this year in Georgia. However, more than 20 human cases have been reported to the National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as of July 8.

Around 80 percent of those infected with West Nile show no symptoms while up to 20 percent have symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting and sometimes swollen lymph glands or a rash, she said.

"One out of roughly 150 infected with West Nile virus develop serious symptoms," Grant said. Those most at risk of developing severe symptoms are older adults, young children and people with compromised immune systems.

"Unfortunately, there is no vaccine available for West Nile Virus," she said. "There is also no specific treatment. People with severe cases are hospitalized and receive supportive care such as intravenous fluids and respiratory treatment. The best way to protect yourself is to avoid getting bitten."

Ways to reduce the risk include:

•Avoid outdoor activity when mosquitoes are most active - at dawn and dusk.

•Cover exposed skin if you must be outside.

•Use insect repellent with active ingredients such as DEET, oil of lemon eucalyptus or picaridin.

•Drain standing water.

•Repair screens.

For more information about West Nile Virus, go online to www.southwestgeorgiapublichealth. org. Additional information is available at www. cdc.gov.