The Fulton County Department of Health and Wellness is advising citizens that seven mosquito pools have tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV) in Fulton County. 

A mosquito “pool” refers to a collection of mosquitoes from a particular area that is tested for the virus.  Locations that tested positive include:
 
•  Greensferry Combined Sewer Overflow (175 Stafford Street) – 2 positives
•  North Avenue Combined Sewer Overflow (Maddox Park) – 1 positive
•  Frankie Allen Park (425 Pharr Road) – 2 positives
•  1388 West Avenue – 1 positive
•  Springvale Park (Euclid and Waverly) – 1 positive
•  Total Positive Mosquito Pools – 7
 
The Fulton County Environmental Health Services team is working diligently to reduce the risks of transmission of  WNV.  Thirty mosquito trap sites are checked regularly and WNV Prevention literature has been distributed to more than 779 residences and businesses in communities identified with positive mosquito pools.  Additionally, Environmental Health responds to all mosquito-related complaints within 72 – hours. 
 
Inspections of homes consist of determining where mosquitoes are breeding and providing homeowners with measures for remediation.  Homeowners also receive mosquito repellant upon request.   So far, the Environmental Health Services team has investigated and responded to 97 mosquito related complaints. 
 
Environmental Health is urging homeowners and businesses to properly store tires, particularly tire shops.  Improperly stored tires will hold water and subsequently breed mosquitoes.  The species of mosquitoes that primarily carry the WNV (culex quinquefasciatus) breeds at an optimum level on the inside of tires holding water.
 
For more information on West Nile Virus and prevention methods, call the Mosquito Hotline: 404-730-5296 or contact the Fulton County Department of Health Services, Division of Environmental Health at 404-730-1301, or you can log-on to fultoncountygahealth.org.          

 
West Nile Virus Prevention Guidelines
 
To reduce exposure to mosquitoes and to reduce the risk of West Nile Virus, the Fulton County Department of Health and Wellness recommends the following:

• Avoid outdoor activity at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active and dress appropriately when outdoors for long periods.
• Use insect repellant with an EPA-approved active ingredient such as DEET, Picaridin or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus. Always follow the directions on the package for the safest and most effective use.
• Remove standing water or it treat with larvicides to prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs.
• Dump containers such as recycling bins, empty flowerpots and other containers that may collect water.
• Change water in birdbaths or small wading pools at least once a week.
 
WNV usually infects birds, but it can spread to humans by mosquitoes that feed on infected birds and then bite humans.  Most people bitten by infected mosquitoes do not get sick. Less than 1 percent of people infected with WNV develop serious illness such as encephalitis or paralysis.  People who have chronic medical conditions are at greater risk of developing severe illness if infected with WNV.  Those who do get sick from WNV often suffer a mild flu-like illness and recover without treatment.