Fulton County health officials confirmed that mosquitoes trapped in two locations in the county have tested positive for West Nile virus.
The traps were located at the Atlanta Virtual Academy in the Grove Park neighborhood and the Hoyt Smith Recreation Center in Hapeville.
To combat the threat, county officials said in a press release that they are working closely with mosquito control teams to target the affected areas with treatments designed to reduce mosquito populations. Additionally, the health department plans to educate nearby communities on protective measures.
“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, in the county’s press release.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, West Nile virus is spread primarily by infected mosquitoes carrying the virus. Most people who get infected do not develop symptoms, but some may experience fever, headaches, and body aches. About 1 of 150 infected people develop a serious, sometimes fatal, illness.
So far this year, there’s been one reported case of West Nile Virus in Georgia, according to the CDC. There is no vaccine for West Nile virus, so prevention through avoiding mosquito bites is essential.
County officials, who confirmed the infected mosquitoes on Sunday, say residents should do the following to protect themselves against exposure to the virus:
- Limit outdoor activities during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
- Wear long sleeves and pants to reduce skin exposure.
- Use insect repellents containing DEET or other EPA-approved ingredients.
- Eliminate standing water around your property to reduce mosquito breeding sites.
- Make sure windows and doors have intact screens to keep mosquitoes out.
