Perkerson Civic Association

Preventing Mosquito Growth

Positive WNV Mosquito Pool Count Reaches 56

The Fulton County Division of Environmental Health Services (EHS) has announced the identification of 56 mosquito pools that have tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV).  Based on the increased number of positive mosquito pools and one human case, the Fulton County Department of Health and Wellness has increased their efforts to deter mosquito growth in areas surrounding combined sewer overflow (CSOs).

To aide in their efforts, EHS has included adulticiding to kill mosquitoes in the adult stage of development. This approach involves barrier treatments that are applications of pesticides in a strip alongside or around a structure.  For almost nine (9) years, the department has larvicided, which kills the mosquitoes in the larval stage of development to combat the growth of mosquitoes.

County efforts to battle WNV have been successful since the implementation of the SWIFT program (Stop WNV in Fulton Taskforce) in 2001. Efforts have included:

• West Nile Virus Program workers continue to conduct community cleanups and distribute literature to urge residents to eliminate breeding sites around their homes
• Promote public information campaign to remind residents to protect themselves against West Nile Virus by avoiding mosquito bites
• Established an information line to for residents to call to learn how to combat mosquito growth in their community
• Conduct West Nile Virus presentations to groups, businesses, and governmental agencies within the County
• Monitor known mosquito habitats and patterns to facilitate reduction in breeding sites thus eliminating or reducing the potential spread of the West Nile Virus

Residents who live within a ½-mile radius of the following areas should continue practicing prevention methods:

Symptoms of WNV include headache, fever, neck discomfort, muscle and joint aches, swollen lymph nodes and a rash.  WNV can cause encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the spinal cord and lining of the brain).  People with compromised immune systems or other underlying conditions are at greater risk for complications from the disease.

Mosquitoes need water to breed. They can breed in any puddle or standing water that remains more than four days. Removing areas of standing water eliminates breeding grounds to reduce the number of mosquitoes:

• Dispose of old tires. Regularly empty any metal cans, ceramic flowerpots, bottles, jars, buckets, and other water-holding containers on your property.
• Turn over plastic wading pools, outdoor toys and wheelbarrows when not in use.
• Repair leaky pipes and outside faucets.
• Keep gutters cleared and sloped to the downspout.
• Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers that are left outdoors.
• Keep swimming pools clean and properly chlorinated. Remove standing water from pool covers.
• Make sure windows and screens are in good condition.
• Purchase and use Mosquito Dunks (a larvicide used to kill mosquito larvae) to control mosquitoes in areas with standing water and in containers that cannot be dumped.

Mosquitoes that carry the West Nile Virus bite during the evening, night and early morning. Take precautions to protect yourself and your family during these periods.

• Use insect repellent containing the active ingredient N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET). Spray the top of your clothing and exposed skin. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks when outdoors, especially at dawn and dusk.

For more information on West Nile Virus and prevention methods, call the Mosquito Hotline: 404-730-5296 or contact the Fulton County Department of Health and Wellness, Division of Environmental Health at (404) 730-1301 or you can log-on to www.fultoncountygahealth.org.