Mosquito trap in Atlanta tests positive for West Nile virus
Fulton County Board of Health (FCBOH) Environmental Health mosquito control staff recovered positive mosquito samples for West Nile virus from a trap at a location within the county. The positive test result was reported in Grant Park and indicates the presence of infected mosquitoes in the area.
“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,” says Dr. Brandon Leftwich, Environmental Health Director at the Fulton County Board of Health.
The 5Ds of mosquito bite prevention can 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 |
If there are any infected mosquitoes reported in an area, the Fulton County Board of Health works with a mosquito control vendor to eliminate the pests. Our team will also visit the surrounding neighborhoods to spread awareness about the positive test results in that area and educate the community on preventing mosquito bites and breeding areas around their homes.
Click here to learn more about West Nile Virus.
Click Here to watch FGTV explain the FCBOH mosquito spraying program.