Reports about people infected with the West Nile virus keep showing up all across the country, even though the authorities have tried their best to inform the people about the problems brought by the infections and the ways of protecting themselves.

The dangerous virus, that reaches people through mosquito bites, managed to scare a whole nation and there seems to be very little that can be done to completely end the drama. At this point, the only clear directions for avoiding such an unpleasant and potentially dangerous encounter are to use screens for the windows and doors, wear long sleeves and long pants, use bug spray and also, avoid open spaces between dusk and dawn when the mosquitoes are at their highest levels.

So far there have been 413 reported cases of the West Nile virus, with five deaths caused by its complications. The biggest risks are experienced by the elderly, infants and every other person with a weak immune system.

The most recent reports about the virus came from Nassau and Clayton County.

“Although this is the county’s first positive sample this season, it is not unexpected, as West Nile virus has been found in mosquitoes from time to time throughout the Atlanta metro area in recent years,” said Alpha Fowler Bryan, director of the Clayton County Board of Health. He also sent out a message to the population requesting everyone to use insect repellent with DEET, keep swimming pools clean, repair holes in screens or windows, remove standing water and a few other such tips for ensuring the people’s safety.