Atlanta, Georgia – A single mosquito trap in Atlanta has delivered a warning bigger than its size. Mosquitoes collected in Grant Park have tested positive for West Nile virus, confirming that infected insects are active in the area.
The finding does not mean everyone nearby will become sick. It does mean residents have a reason to pay closer attention to what happens around porches, yards, windows and any container where rainwater can sit unnoticed.
The Fulton County Board of Health said its Environmental Health mosquito control staff recovered the positive samples from a trap located within the county. The result was reported in Grant Park and indicates the presence of mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus in that area.
“Mosquitoes can be dangerous if infected and may pose a serious health risk to people in our area. We want to make sure communities are aware and take necessary precautions to protect themselves,” said Dr. Brandon Leftwich, Environmental Health Director at the Fulton County Board of Health.
Health officials are urging residents to follow the “5Ds” of mosquito bite prevention, a simple set of steps aimed at reducing both bites and breeding sites.
The first is dusk and dawn. During summer, mosquitoes are often most active at those times, so residents are advised to limit outdoor activity when possible. The second is dress. Loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants can reduce the amount of exposed skin available to mosquitoes.
The third is DEET. Officials recommend applying an insect repellent containing DEET to exposed skin because it is considered the most effective repellent against mosquito bites.
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The fourth step, drain, may be one of the easiest to overlook. Buckets, barrels, flowerpots, tarps and other containers can collect standing water and become breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Emptying them regularly can help stop mosquitoes before they multiply.
The fifth is doors. Residents should check that doors and windows fit tightly, repair torn or damaged screens and make sure mosquitoes cannot easily enter the home. Overgrown grass and weeds should also be trimmed or removed.
When infected mosquitoes are found, the Fulton County Board of Health works with a mosquito control vendor to eliminate the pests. Staff also visit surrounding neighborhoods to alert residents about the positive result and explain how to reduce mosquito bites and breeding areas around their homes.
The Grant Park result turns mosquito prevention from a general summer reminder into a local concern. A small amount of standing water, a torn screen or an evening outside without repellent can create an opening.
Residents can learn more through the Fulton County Board of Health’s West Nile virus information page. They can also watch FGTV’s explanation of the county’s mosquito spraying program for more details on how local control efforts work.
