Two mosquito-bourne viruses appear in Georgia

Mosquitos carrying West Nile Virus have been found in Atlanta, a first this summer. Two Georgia counties are also reporting another mosquito-bourne disease.

Fulton County officials who regularly test pools of mosquitos found two places in the city of Atlanta where West Nile was present. So far no human cases of the virus have appeared.

Susan Lance, an epidemiologist with the Georgia Division of Public Health says Fulton county is one a few in Georgia that have an extensive mosquito monitoring program so it’s no surprise that the virus turned up there.

"We suspect it's only because they are looking. We think we probably have positive mosquitoes throughout the state for West Nile virus."

Officials say they also found two horses with Eastern equine encephalitis in Bibb and Lowndes county. The disease is also spread by mosquitos and like West Nile can be fatal in people with weak immune systems.


THREE SIMPLE STEPS TO PREVENT MOSQUITO BITES
From Georgia Department of Human Resources

* Avoid outdoor activity during dawn and dusk. These are the times of day when mosquitoes are most active. Dress appropriately when outdoors.

* Use insect repellant with an EPA-approved active ingredient, such as DEET, Picaridin, or Oil of Lemon or Eucalyptus. Always follow the directons on the package for safe and effective use.

* Areas with standing water are locations where mosquitoes will lay eggs.Get rid of or treat standing water with larvicides. Dump out containers such as recycling bins, empty flower pots, and other containers that may collect water. Change water in birdbaths or small wading pools at least once a week.

For more information about West Nile virus, please visit:
http://health.state.ga.us/epi/vbd/mosquito.asp