Atlanta, Georgia – Health authorities in Fulton County are concerned because new samples of mosquitoes from all over Atlanta tested positive for the West Nile virus. The Fulton County Board of Health (FCBOH) confirmed that three different mosquito traps, one in the northwest, one in the northeast, and one in the southwest parts of the city, all tested positive for the virus. The Environmental Health team found these things as part of their regular monitoring of mosquitoes and other pests.
After getting the test findings, FCBOH has started specific mosquito control efforts in the neighborhoods that were affected. Crews have started treating areas around the positive trap sites with the help of a pest control company. The idea is to lower the number of mosquitoes and stop the virus from spreading even more.
Officials are also doing more to reach out to the public to let them know how they can keep themselves and their communities safe. Health inspectors and outreach staff are visiting door to door and giving out papers that show people how to keep mosquitoes away. Their major point was to get rid of standing water, which is where mosquitoes like to breed.
As a reminder, residents should practice the 5Ds of mosquito bite prevention to help prevent mosquito bites and breeding:
- 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 DEET, which is the most effective repellent against mosquito bites.
- Drain – Empty any containers holding standing water – buckets, barrels, flowerpots, 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.
- Also trim or remove overgrown grass or weeds
Residents are also told to keep their yards clean by cutting tall grass, getting rid of weeds, and taking away any tarps or outdoor furniture that could collect water.
No one in the county has been reported to have the virus this season thus far. However, public health officials say that the fact that West Nile virus is present in local mosquito populations indicates that people need to be careful and take easy precautions to lower their risk.
The FCBOH will keep an eye on mosquitoes by testing them every week and treating them as needed. In the meanwhile, they want everyone to be aware, keep safe, and take care of their own property to make sure there are less places for mosquitoes to live near their homes.
