According to the DeKalb County Board of Health, a routine collection of mosquitoes has tested positive for West Nile virus. This is the first report of positive mosquitoes in Georgia this year and is a reminder for everyone to take precautions.
West Nile virus is spread by infected mosquitoes and can cause serious, life-altering and even fatal disease. Although people over age 50 are at highest risk for serious illness when infected with the virus, individuals of all ages can become ill. Some people develop a less severe illness. This mild illness usually goes away and does not require medical treatment. Fortunately, most people who are infected with the virus do not have any ill effects.
“We are at the expected start of the West Nile virus season. So, I am encouraging residents to educate themselves about West Nile virus and to take precautions to protect themselves,” said S. Elizabeth Ford, M.D., M.B.A, district health director of the DeKalb County Board of Health. “The most effective actions against the virus are to wear mosquito repellent and to eliminate standing water where mosquitoes breed.”
Effective repellents for use on skin and clothing contain DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535. Also, clothing can be sprayed with products containing permethrin. Any repellent should be applied according to label instructions.
Using repellents on children requires special attention. DEET products should not be used on infants under two months old, while oil of lemon eucalyptus products should not be used on children under three years old. An adult should apply repellent to their own hands then rub them on the child and should keep repellent out of the reach of children. Adults should not apply repellent to the child’s hands, allow children to apply their own repellent or apply repellent under clothes.
One helpful tip is to spray a long-sleeved shirt with permethrin and hang it by the front door. This is perfect to slip on when just running outside for a quick moment. Permethrin-treated clothing repels and kills mosquitoes and ticks and retains this effect after repeated washing. Using repellents on skin and clothing is not the only way to avoid mosquito bites. Wearing long pants and long-sleeved shirts can prevent bites. In addition, using mosquito netting over infant carriers is effective.
The DeKalb County Board of Health also recommends several ways to reduce mosquito breeding in your yard:
- Store wading pools and other items where they will not collect water.
- Dump standing water from plant pots, toys, pool and hot tub covers, wheelbarrows, boats and canoes.
- Store wading pools and other items where they will not collect water.
- Dump standing water from plant pots, toys, pool and hot tub covers, wheelbarrows, boats and canoes.
- Clean gutters and downspouts so they drain properly.
- Dispose of old tires, cans and other containers that may collect water.
- Change the water in birdbaths and pet dishes every three or four days.
- Keep drains and ditches clear of trash and weeds so water will drain properly.
- Trim tall grass, weeds and vines since mosquitoes rest in these during the hot daylight hours.
The Board of Health’s Division of Environmental Health monitors for West Nile virus through mosquito sampling. Since the virus can kill birds, they also analyze reports of dead birds. In addition, the division works with residents to reduce mosquito populations.
For help in identifying mosquito breeding sites, to report dead birds or for more
