Residents reminded to take precautions

The Georgia Division of Community Department of Public Health has notified the Fulton County Department of Health and WellnessServices that 20 mosquito pools have tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). A mosquito "pool" refers to a collection of mosquitoes from a particular area that is tested for the virus. The affected areas are the Greensferry Combined Sewer Overflow, Whitter Mill Park, Frankie Allen Park, 1388 West Avenue, the Atlanta Mounted Police Station, Tanyard Creek Combined Sewer Overflow, and Church Street H.J.C. Bowden Senior Multi-purpose Center in East Point.

"August begins the peak season for West Nile Virus," said Patrice A. Harris, M.D., Director of Fulton County Health Services. "The identification of these pools is a reminder to all of us to take precautions when outdoors."

To reduce exposure to mosquitoes and to reduce the risk of West Nile Virus, the Fulton County Department of Health Services 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 it with environmentally friendly substances that kill developing mosquitoes 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.

The Department continues to move forward with its aggressive prevention efforts that began in April 2011. All known catch basins and large mosquito-breeding sites have been treated with environmentally friendly substances that kill developing mosquitoeslarvicide. Newly identified areas will be treated to halt to mosquito growth. West Nile Virus Program workers also continue to distribute literature to educateurge residents how to eliminateeliminate breeding sites around their homes.

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 a serious illness such as encephalitis. 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.

For more information about West Nile Virus and prevention methods, call the Mosquito Hotline: 404-730-5296 or contact the Fulton County Department of Health Servicesand Wellness, Division of Environmental Health at (404) 613-1301 or online at www.fultoncountygahealth.org.