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Public Information
Welcome to Lowndes County!
Since the first settlers moved to our area in 1821 Lowndes County has served as a haven for those looking for something more. With the discovery of fertile soil and unlimited opportunity, Lowndes County was established by the Georgia General Assembly in 1825. Names and faces have changed, but the focus of our community has not. We remain a progressive community planning for the future while preserving the past. As host to several cities, Lowndes County provides something for everyone regardless of their interests. Valdosta, Lowndes County’s largest city and county seat is home to a beautifully restored downtown, as well as, 48,000 citizens who represent approximately half of Lowndes County’s greatest resource. To the north, the city of Hahira and the surrounding area proudly boasts, “Home of the Honey Bee,” which is also Georgia’s official state insect. Agriculturally, residents in north and south Lowndes County are important producers of cotton, tobacco, soybeans and peanuts. The city of Lake Park, affectionately referred to as “Gateway to the South” possesses unforgettable natural beauty and is in close proximity to I-75. In addition, recreational facilities, that include area lakes, provide ample opportunity for fishing, hunting, golfing and water sports. Lowndes County’s citizens have determined that, “together we can make a difference.” We welcome you to see for yourself why so many proudly call Lowndes County home. |
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West Nile Prevention
1. What is West Nile Virus?
West Nile Virus is an "arbovirus" that causes encephalitis (inflammation to the brain). Blood-feeding insects such as mosquitoes transmit these viruses. Mosquitoes draw the virus from infected birds and transmit it to animals and humans through bites. Following transmission by an infected mosquito, the incubation period in humans (i.e. Time from infection to onset of disease symptoms for West Nile Encephalitis) is usually 3 to 15 days. During this time the West Nile Virus multiplies in the persons’ blood system and crosses the blood brain barrier to reach the brain. The virus interferes with normal central nervous system functioning and causes inflammation of brain tissue. A person contracting WNV is assumed to develop an immunity that will be lifelong, but it may wane in later years. Most infections with WNV have been identified in wild birds, but the virus can also infect horses, dogs, cats, domestic rabbits, domestic birds as well as humans. The WNV, which originated in Uganda, was discovered in North America in 1999. Since that time the West Nile Viral Encephalitis has spread to more than 40 states and the District of Columbia. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention maintains a special West Nile virus surveillance program, which has been initiated in 49 states, five cities, and the District of Columbia.
2. What is the Risk of Contracting West Nile Virus and Other Diseases?
The risk of a human becoming ill with WNV from a single mosquito bite is extremely low. Transmission of WNV is almost exclusively by mosquitoes that pick up the virus from infected birds, and then bite another animal or person. In all the intensive research and surveys that have been done, there are no reports of transmission from person to person, or from animals directly to humans or another animal. In areas where mosquitoes carry the virus, less than 1% of the people bitten, and subsequently infected, become severely ill. For humans, the risk associated with WNV is greatest for those over 50 years of age. As of August 2002, this year, out of 135 reported cases nationwide, only seven deaths have been recorded. Although expected, it is not entirely known if immunocompromised persons are at increased risk for WNV disease. Risks associated with contraction of other viruses and diseases are similar to those for the West Nile Virus; but highly dependent on the specific precautions an individual takes to prevent or minimize exposure.
3. Identifying and Treating West Nile Virus?
Most people bitten by an infected mosquito never get sick and most of the rest exhibit only flu-like symptoms. Mild flu like symptoms for humans infected with the West Nile Virus include: fever, headache, and body aches. Occasionally there will be a skin rash and swollen lymph glands. A more severe infection may be marked by headache, high fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, and muscle weakness or paralysis. Of the small percentage of people who contract encephalitis, the virus is most dangerous for children, the elderly, and most likely, people with weak immune systems. With an incubation period for WNV in humans of 3 to 15 days, diagnosis of WNV encephalitis is based on a history of exposure, clinical signs and results of diagnostic blood tests. With all viral diseases, treatment consists of providing support while the affected individual’s immune system responds to the infection. As with other viruses, there is no specific therapy for treating WNV. In more severe cases, however, intensive supportive therapy may be required. This may involve hospitalization, provision of intravenous fluids, airway management, respiratory support (ventilator), prevention of secondary infections (pneumonia, urinary tract, etc.), and good nursing care. To date the West Nile Virus has been reported mostly in the eastern half of the U.S. but is expected to spread to the northwest. Fortunately, with this type of virus, birds, horses, humans and other animals quickly develop immunity and the infection rate is expected to peak and then decrease to a persistent, but low level.
4. Preventing West Nile Virus?
Given that mosquitoes are associated with WNV transmission, the key to preventing or controlling future outbreaks of WNV is to eliminate exposure to mosquitoes by any number of methods. The importance of eliminating mosquito breeding areas and taking precaution against mosquito bites cannot be stressed enough. Fortunately, preventative measures and a number of products are available to repel mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks. When properly used, insect repellents can discourage biting insects from landing on treated skin or clothing. General rules for dealing with insects include:
- Reduction of Mosquito Breeding Habitat by reducing sources of standing or stagnant water to minimize breeding places.
Decrease Human Exposure to Adult Mosquitoes including:
- Maintaining the integrity of screened housing to provide mosquito free areas.
- Use insect repellent in conjunction with other measures and use of safe ingredients.
[While the use of permethrin or DEET (short for N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) is highly recommended for use in repelling mosquitoes, both the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have issued extensive cautions about its use]*
- Limit outdoor exposure particularly at dawn and dusk time of day when mosquitoes are generally most active.
- Cover up with protective clothing in conjunction with other protective measures.
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