Horse death leads to alert on mosquitoes

SAVANNAH, Ga. - South Georgia health officials are warning residents to protect themselves from mosquito-borne disease after an Effingham County horse died of encephalitis and a bird from midtown Savannah tested positive for the West Nile virus.

Eastern equine encephalitis is rare in the area, epidemiologist Kathleen Buford said.

The case of the horse from Guyton is the first case in at least five years.

Humans can also contract this infection from mosquitoes, she said, and when they do, the infection is likely to be severe.

Encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain, often starts with headache and fever but can lead to coma and death.

By contrast, West Nile virus is usually a mild, flulike illness, but in susceptible people, especially senior citizens, it leads to severe illness and death.

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Across the nation, more than 270 people died of West Nile virus last year, including seven from Georgia.

The infected bird, a wood thrush, was found in midtown April 23.

County health Director Melinda Rowe noted, "We know that WNV is here to stay and we need to take precautions."

Those precautions include wearing mosquito repellent that contains the chemical DEET.

Repellents that don't contain DEET are not as effective, health officials said. DEET shouldn't be used on infants, Dr. Buford advises.

TELLING THEM APART

Encephalitis

WHAT: Inflammation of the brain

SYMPTOMS: Headache and fever

OUTCOME: Can lead to coma and death

West Nile virus

WHAT: A mild, flulike illness

OUTCOME: Severe illness and death in susceptible people

--From the Saturday, May 3, 2003 printed edition of the Augusta Chronicle