Phoebe Urges South Georgians to Take Precautions to Prevent West Nile Virus

A mosquito on human skin reminds South Georgians to take West Nile Virus precautions. Blurred green background.

 

Albany, GA | September 4, 2026 – Physicians at Phoebe are urging south Georgians to be aware of the dangers posed by mosquitoes and to take precautions to protect themselves against mosquito-borne illnesses, including West Nile virus.  Currently, two patients with confirmed West Nile infections are hospitalized at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital, and care teams suspect a third patient has the virus as they await test results.

“The good news is severe complications from West Nile virus are exceptionally rare.  Eighty percent of people infected with the virus never show any symptoms, and 20% develop mild symptoms.  Less than 1% suffer severe illness, so it is unusual that we have several patients who are sick enough to require extended hospital stays at the same time,” said James Black, MD, Phoebe Medical Director for Emergency Services.

People at high risk of severe illness should take extra precautions to protect themselves.

Those at High-Risk of Severe Illness

  • Older adults
  • People with weakened immune systems
  • People with chronic or underlying health issues such as cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure and kidney disease

Mild symptoms of West Nile virus may include fever, headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea and a rash.  Severe illness can affect the central nervous system and may cause inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) and the membranes around the brain and spial cord (meningitis).  Symptoms of severe illness can include high fever, neck stiffness, disorientation, tremors, convulsions or paralysis.

“Unfortunately, there is no vaccine or specific antiviral treatment for West Nile virus.  When a patient is hospitalized we focus on supportive care for their symptoms.  That’s why it’s so important for people – especially those at high risk for severe illness – to focus on prevention,” said Joseph Watson, MD, Phoebe Pulmonologist and Critical Care Intensivist.

West Nile virus is spread through the bites of infected mosquitoes.  Particularly during the warm and wet summer months when mosquitoes flourish, it is important to protect yourself from mosquito bites.

Prevention Tips

  • Use insect repellent with EPA-registered ingredients like DEET
  • Avoid being outside around dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active
  • Wear long sleeves and pants
  • Eliminate standing water around your home to reduce mosquito breeding

In south Georgia, West Nile cases typically peak in August and September, but the illness can continue to spread well into the fall while mosquitoes remain active.