Mosquito samples in Brunswick and St. Simons Island have tested positive for West Nile virus, Glynn County Public Works confirms.

According to the Glynn County Health Department, a mosquito sample in the county initially tested positive for the virus in mid-July.

At this time, no human cases of West Nile virus (WNV) have been confirmed in any Coastal Health District counties – including Glynn.

This does mean that WNV is actively circulating in local mosquito populations, and the county is being treated.

Weather permitting, nighttime spraying will be conducted in the area on August 24, 25 and 26.

WNV is transmitted by bites, and it can cause mild to serious illness.

To avoid bites and to minimize mosquito breeding, the Glynn County Health Department and Public Works urge residents to follow the 5Ds:

• Dusk/Dawn – Avoid dusk and dawn activities during the summer when mosquitoes are most active.

• Dress – Wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants to reduce the amount of exposed skin.

• DEET – Cover exposed skin with an insect repellent containing the DEET, which is the most effective repellent against mosquito bites.

• Drain – Empty any containers holding standing water – buckets, barrels, flower pots, tarps – because they are breeding grounds for virus-carrying mosquitoes.

• Doors – Make sure doors and windows are in good repair and fit tightly, and fix torn or damaged screens to keep mosquitoes out of the house.

For more mosquito safety advice, visit wsav.com/mosquito.