Today, Wednesday, July 8th, the Fulton County Board of Health reported that a mosquito trap in Grant Park tested positive for West Nile virus. There is no need to panic. Keep scrolling to learn more & get tips on how to stay safe.
What’s going on?
The positive test result reported in the Grant Park area of East Atlanta indicates the presence of infected mosquitoes in the area.
Dr. Brandon Leftwich, Environmental Health Director at the Fulton County Board of Health, said in a statement:
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.
How can I stay safe?
The Fulton County Board of Health recommends following the ‘5Ds of mosquito bite prevention’ to 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
They also state,
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.
Stay safe, Atlanta! Take the necessary precautions, and don’t panic!
