A mosquito-borne disease known as West Nile Virus (WNV) is spreading in Fulton County, Georgia, leaving many locals in fear.

In a recent report by the Fulton County Board of Health, two mosquitoes trapped in Hapeville and Northwest Atlanta tested positive for WNV.

The West Nile Virus is similar to dengue fever, which is spread to people by the bite of infected mosquitoes.

This mosquito-borne disease looms especially during summer and continues through fall across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, North America and West Asia.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), West Nile Virus, belonging to a group of viruses called flaviviruses, can be transmitted from person to person through blood transfusion and organ transplantation.

Hence, an individual who is recently diagnosed with the disease is advised not to donate blood or bone marrow for at least 120 days following infection.

Most people do not show any symptoms of the disease. However, the CDC explains that about 1 out of 5 infected people experience fever, headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhoea, or rash.

In severe cases, which rarely occur in 1 out of 150 infected people, show signs affecting the central nervous system, like inflammation of the brain and membranes. The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that West Nile Virus can cause neurological disease and death in people.

While mild cases typically resolve in 3 to 6 days, severe illness can last up to several weeks or months.

There is no specific treatment for West Nile Virus, and not even antibiotics work.

CDC recommends complete bed rest during this illness, including plenty of fluid intake, which could be water, organic juice and more.

Infected people with severe conditions can receive supportive treatment, like intravenous fluids, pain medication, and nursing care.

Since it is a mosquito-borne disease, the best way to protect against West Nile Virus is to protect yourself from mosquitoes.

Here are some ways to protect yourself from mosquito bites: