Chatham County is stepping up aerial spraying for mosquitoes because of an unusually high number of mosquitoes found carrying the West Nile virus.
Thirty mosquito samples have now tested positive for West Nile virus in Chatham County. That's the highest number since 2003.
The mosquito that carries West Nile viris is especially active starting this time of year. Recent rains only compound the problem.
The Chatham County Public Health Department's Doctor Michael Adams says, officials are advising residents to consider themselves at risk.
"The risk is throughout Chatham County," Dr. Adams says. "We should take personal protective measures if we plan on venturing outside."
That means, long clothing and insect repellant with Deet.
Statewide, there have been 20 confirmed cases of West Nile virus, none of them from Chatham County. An 80-year-old Clayton County woman died this month from complications associated with the virus.
Mosquito control is now spraying neighborhoods six days a week by plane, helicopter and truck.
Thirty mosquito samples have now tested positive for West Nile virus in Chatham County. That's the highest number since 2003.
The mosquito that carries West Nile viris is especially active starting this time of year. Recent rains only compound the problem.
The Chatham County Public Health Department's Doctor Michael Adams says, officials are advising residents to consider themselves at risk.
"The risk is throughout Chatham County," Dr. Adams says. "We should take personal protective measures if we plan on venturing outside."
That means, long clothing and insect repellant with Deet.
Statewide, there have been 20 confirmed cases of West Nile virus, none of them from Chatham County. An 80-year-old Clayton County woman died this month from complications associated with the virus.
Mosquito control is now spraying neighborhoods six days a week by plane, helicopter and truck.
