The Georgia Division of Public Health has notified the Fulton County Department of Health Services that mosquito samples in six communities have tested positive for the West Nile Virus.  A mosquito “sample”, refers to a collection of mosquitoes from a particular area that is tested for the virus.

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

The locations of the sites for each positive mosquito sample are as follows:

·        Tanyard Creek  CSO, Atlanta– one (1) positive mosquito  sample

·        Frankie Allen Park, 425 Pharr Rd., N. E., Atlanta one (1) positive mosquito  sample

·        Grove Park (709 Hortense Place, Atlanta)-one (1) positive mosquito  sample

·        Ronald Bridges Park (5285 Lakeside Dr., College Park) one (1) positive mosquito  sample

·        Burdett Park (2945 Burdett Rd., College Park) one (1) positive mosquito sample

·        Wills Park (1925 Wills Rd., Alpharetta) one (1) positive mosquito sample

To reduce exposure to mosquitoes and to reduce the risk of West Nile Virus, Fulton County Health Services recommends the following:

• Limit 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 treat it with a larvicide 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  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 on West Nile Virus and prevention methods, call the Mosquito Hotline: 404-730-5296 or contact the Fulton County Health Services, Division of Environmental Health at (404) 613-1301, or, you can log-on to www.fultoncountygahealth.org.